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The Clasico is one of the world's biggest games, and for good reason. A rivalry etched in history not only because it brings together some of the greatest players in the world but also because of its cultural significance. The Catalan based Barcelona go head-to-head against their fierce rivals Real Madrid in what is perhaps the most anticipated domestic clash of the year.
This century, we have been treated to some amazing spectacles in this game. The last-minute winner by Lionel Messi in front of the Santiago Bernabeu, Cristiano Ronaldo delivering a clinic in an all-important league clash, and the likes of Luis Figo, Ronaldinho amongst a few others lighting up the world when they played in this game.
As the latest El Clasico draws close, in this list, we take a look at the best individual performances in the history of this memorable fixture.
#5 Xavi Hernandez - Real Madrid 2-6 Barcelona, 2nd May 2009
The great Xavi Hernandez has had his share of moments in the history of the Clasico. As one of Barcelona's greatest players ever, it is imperative that the midfielder shined in the biggest of games. His best performance, however, came at the Santiago Bernebeu when Barcelona demolished their rivals 2-6 in the LaLiga.
The midfield performance from Xavi, coming under a high press but still keeping the ball away like a master, dribbling, passing, cutting defences - it was the perfect game for the maestro. He provided not one, not two, not three, but an astonishing four assists in a single game.
Arguably the greatest passer of the ball we have ever seen, the Spanish international assisted Lionel Messi twice, Carles Puyol once from a set piece, and Thierry Henry once in the game. His passes were superb, and it was a dream day for then-manager Pep Guardiola who could not have asked for a better game.
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#4 Raul - Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid, 13th October 1999
This particular contest between Barcelona and Real Madrid took place at the Camp Nou, and it remains one of the most popular contests of all-time between these two heavyweights. With a lot of star power on display, then-managers Louis van Gaal and John Toshack were pitted against each other as prominent board members of both clubs watched in attendance.
Although the game ended in a stalemate as the sides drew 2-2, this game is remembered as the day when Raul silenced the Camp Nou. With 15 goals in the Clasico, the former Real Madrid captain is one of the greatest strikers of all time. In this match, he opened his team's account against his bitter rivals as he finished sweetly past the goalkeeper in the 26th minute. Barcelona replied through Rivaldo and Luis Figo in a heated match up which saw Van Gaal coming on to the pitch.
However, in the 86th minute, Raul skipped past the Barca defence and netted his second goal of the game as he famously put his finger to his lips in front of the Camp Nou crowd. The game was electric, and the finish was spectacular.
#3 Ronaldinho - Real Madrid 0-3 Barcelona, 2005
Barcelona went into this game having been already crowned the league champions for that season. In this El Clasico, Real Madrid was playing for some dignity as they hosted their bitter rivals and looked to hand them a defeat. That was not to be.
This match is remembered most famously for when the entirety of the Santiago Bernabeu gave the brilliant Ronaldinho a standing ovation - the highest of honours which only the greatest of the greats receive in the Spanish capital.
Ronaldinho caused all the problems that he could from the wings. He toyed with the defence of Roberto Carlos, Helguera and Sergio Ramos. A young Ramos received the brunt of the attack as the Brazilian harassed him throughout the game.
During the first goal, Ronaldinho accelerated through the left-wing and moved past Ramos’ sliding challenge with ease. He moved into the box and circled past two defenders before slotting the ball past a helpless Iker Casillas.
Ronaldinho almost had an identical second goal, the difference being that this time his pace was too good for anyone to catch-up with. Ramos tried to stop Ronaldinho but he was humiliated yet again, failing to bring the Brazilian down, even after attempting to pull him down by the shirt.
The Real Madrid Ultras applauded the efforts of Ronaldinho, thus putting football over any rivalry. It was a resounding victory for the Catalans who stamped their mark as the best team in Spain that day.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo - Barcelona 1-3 Real Madrid, 26th February 2013
With 18 goals in the Clasico, only one player has ever netted more goals in this fixture than the brilliant Cristiano Ronaldo. The forward almost always stepped up against his club's bitter rivals, and he has delivered some memorable performances over the years. However, his most impressive perhaps remains in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, in the second leg at the Camp Nou in 2013.
The first leg at the Bernabeu ended 1-1, with Barcelona having the advantage due to their away goal. The Los Blancos headed to Camp Nou for the second leg, knowing that they had to score at least twice to advance in normal time. Ronaldo stepped up.
After dispatching a powerful penalty past Victor Valdes in the 12th minute, the Portuguese superstar silenced Camp Nou with a left-footed goal near the hour mark to give his team a 0-2 lead in a very hostile atmosphere. The winger was lively throughout the game and troubled the likes of Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique who had difficulty dealing with Ronaldo's direct attacks. The game ended 1-3 in favour of the visitors, and Madrid would go on to advance to the finals.
#1 Lionel Messi - Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona, 27th April 2011
Never in any doubt, was it? With a staggering 26 goals in 41 appearances against Real Madrid, Lionel Messi is no doubt the greatest player to ever take part in this fixture. Messi's impact in this fixture has been so immense, and on such a consistent basis that we can make a top 5 list on his performances against the Los Blancos. However, in the interest of choosing one, there is none which stands out as much as his Champions League performance in 2011.
The two teams were drawn against each other in the semi-finals of the 2010/11 Champions League season, and the stage was set for the greats to battle it out. A 24-year-old back then, Messi arrived at the Santiago Bernebeu and proved to the fans why he is the best footballer in the world by demolishing Real Madrid in front of their support.
The little magician netted twice as Barcelona got two invaluable away goals against their nemesis, and one of his goals is often remembered as the best one he has ever scored. Messi made the entire Madrid defence dance as he skipped past four challenges to slot the ball past Casillas in the 87th minute of the game.
A draw in the second leg would see Barcelona advance to the finals, where they defeated Manchester United to win their second Champions League title in three years. It was in the first leg that Messi announced his status as one of the greatest ever, and that saga has continued till date.
