5 greatest El Clasicos of the 21st century

#3 Real Madrid 3-4 Barcelona (La Liga, 2014)

Lionel Messi bagged a hat-trick in an El Clasico that produced seven goals.

This is undoubtedly one of the best El Clasicos of the 21st century. The La Liga clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona on March 23, 2014 was a seven-goal thriller.

Featuring some of the biggest superstars in world football, the game served up a treat. Karim Benzema bagged a brace and Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the spot to give Los Blancos hopes of a victory.

However, a hat-trick from Lionel Messi and and a wonderful strike from Andres Iniesta ensured Barcelona earned the bragging rights. Sergio Ramos's 63rd-minute red card also attracted a fair share of attention.

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#2 Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona (Copa del Rey final, 2014)

Gareth Bale inked his name in El Clasico history with his spectacular performance in this clash.

Barcelona and Real Madrid locked horns in the Copa del Rey final in 2014. The match was highly hyped, but didn't disappoint in terms of quality.

As expected, both teams put forth their very best. Angel Di Maria put Los Blancos ahead within the opening ten minutes before Marc Batra restored parity in the 68th. Then came the moment that made Gareth Bale a true Real Madrid legend.

With just five minutes left on the clock, the Welshman stole the show by scoring an incredible solo goal that earned his team victory on the night.

He received the ball in the middle of the pitch, burst past Marc Bartra and sprinted half the length of the pitch before beating the goalkeeper with a cool finish.

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#1 Real Madrid 2-3 Barcelona (La Liga, 2017)

An injury time goal won the game for Barcelona.

Lionel Messi produced arguably the most iconic El Clasico performance of his career when Barcelona travelled to the Santiago Bernabeu on April 23, 2017. The attacker was the star of the show despite playing the game with tissue in his mouth after being caught by Marcelo's elbow in the first half.

Real Madrid drew first blood through a Casemiro effort in the 28th minute. But Messi levelled matters just five minutes later before Ivan Raktic scored to put Barcelona ahead in the 73rd minute.

James Rodriguez thought he had secured a draw for his team when he struck five minutes from time, but Messi had other ideas. The Argentine took matters into his own hands in injury time, scoring the winner for Barcelona with virtually the last kick of the game.

Lionel Messi celebrated by taking off his shirt and raising it in front of the Los Blancos faithful to remind them that he was still the king of El Clasico.