Real Madrid vs. Barcelona, 2013 El Clasico: Fantastic end to end play
Careless passing from Barcelona nearly cost them big time in the 27th minute. A giveaway in the midfield allowed Real Madrid to counter as Karim Benzema came close to putting the home team in front. Benzema's first touch on the final ball in to the box wasn't great as he popped the ball up in the air before volleying a shot in to the side netting. A better first touch by the French striker probably would have been in the back of the net.
Madrid conceded another dangerous free kick in the 32nd minute after Cristiano Ronaldo crashed in to Dani Alves on the edge of the box. Lionel Messi and Xavi both stood over the free kick but it was Messi this time who went for goal but his shot went just over the crossbar.
Madrid threatened yet again in the 34th minute. Michael Essien put a fantastic pass in to the Barca box as Ronaldo snuck back the back line. Ronaldo put a low cross in that was cleared out of danger by a combination of the sliding Dani Alves and Gerard Piqué. In the confusion, Alves appeared to accidentally clip his goalkeeper Pinto in the thigh. He was able to continue after a couple minutes being looked at the the physio.
For more on El Clasico, head over to Real Madrid blog Managing Madrid and FC Barcelona blog Barca Blaugranes.
