'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What's the story?
FC Barcelona defeated arch rivals Real Madrid 3-0 to knock them out of the Copa Del Rey. Barcelona will play in the final of Copa Del Rey for sixth successive time, as Los Blancos failed to capitalise in front of goal.
Having missed the first Clasico of the season where Barcelona thrashed Madrid 5-1, Leo Messi was part of last night's game, but looked below par, and extended his record of not scoring against his bitter rivals in the Copa Del Rey.
In case you didn't know...
Leo Messi is the all-time greatest goalscorer in 'El Clasico' with 26 goals, and there is no doubt that he still remains Real Madrid's kryptonite.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is enjoying another historic campaign, as he is leading the race for European Golden Shoe with 33 goals in all competitions already. He is also the top scorer in LaLiga with 25 goals, and his impact was evident as he scored a hat-trick against Sevilla last weekend.
The heart of the matter
But Messi, one of the greatest players ever, had not scored against Real Madrid in the previous seven times they have faced-off in Copa Del Rey, and last night was no different. It was crystal clear that Barcelona did not need Messi's efficiency in front of goal, however, as they won comfortably in the end.
It was Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele who looked menacing, and they terrorized Los Blancos' rearguard, with the Uruguayan striker scoring two goals.
The Santiago Bernabeu has experienced the greatness of Messi numerous times, as is evident from the Barcelona talisman's 15 goals in 19 visits, but the Copa Del Rey remains his bogey tournament.
What's next?
Leo Messi will once again get the chance to score against eternal rivals Real Madrid as they meet again in LaLiga this weekend.
