Xabi Alonso, already on a yellow card, took down Lionel Messi with a slide tackle about 25-yards from goal. Alonso got none of the ball, but the referee only awarded the foul and free kick, keeping the card in his pocket.
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid, 2012 El Clasico: Messi puts Barca ahead 2-1 with a sublime free kick
Lionel Messi made Madrid pay uncorking a magnificent free kick that Iker Casillas had no chance in hell of stopping, putting Barcelona ahead 2-1 in the 61st minute. The ball had a wonderful curl away towards the corner of the goal and cleared the wall my millimeters, appearing to actually go between the heads of two Madrid players. Just a sublime strike.
Jose Mourinho immediately responded by switching his strikers, removing Karim Benzima who did not have a great day and inserting Gonzalo Higuaín. We'll have to see if it makes any difference.
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