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It's El Clasico time once again, as Barcelona and Real Madrid will go head-to-head for the first time this season at Camp Nou on Sunday. It promises to be a clash of the Titans as the two arch-rivals will go all out to secure all three points.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have produced memorable clashes over the years, especially in La Liga. Their rivalry has reached another level in the 21st century, with El Clasico becoming one of the biggest games in club football, thanks to its history, intensity and popularity.
In the last few years, there have been many interesting clashes between the two Spanish behemoths. Ahead of their upcoming league meeting, here's a look the five greatest El Clasicos since the turn of the century:
#5 Real Madrid 2-6 Barcelona (La Liga, 2009)
Real Madrid and Barcelona produced a match to remember for years when they clashed at the Santiago Bernabeu on May 2, 2009. The match had everything one could have asked for: intensity, goals and an enticing tactical battle.
Pep Guardiola proved his tactical nous by deploying Lionel Messi as a false nine. That allowed Barcelona to make quick work of Real Madrid's defence. Messi and Thierry Henry both scored twice, with Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol also finding the back of the net.
Xavi Hernandez produced a decisive display during the game, recording four assists. Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Ramos struck for Real Madrid, but that wasn't enough for the team on the night.
#4 Barcelona 3-3 Real Madrid (La Liga, 2007)
It was one of the games that brought Lionel Messi into the limelight. The Argentine dominated the headlines with an incredible performance. That ensured Barcelona avoided what would've been an embarrassing El Clasico defeat in front of their fans on March 10, 2007.
Real Madrid took the lead on three separate occasions, but each time Lionel Messi pegged them back. The Argentine ended the game with an impressive hat-trick to become the youngest player to do so in El Clasico history. He also became the youngest player to score in El Clasico, a record that was broken by Vinicius Junior last season.
#3 Real Madrid 3-4 Barcelona (La Liga, 2014)
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.
#2 Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona (Copa del Rey final, 2014)
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.
#1 Real Madrid 2-3 Barcelona (La Liga, 2017)
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.
