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Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Real Madrid Vs. Barcelona, 2011 El Clasico: Iker Casillas Denies Lionel Messi

Poor Barcelona are having to try to claw their way out of a self-inflicted early goal, and they're doing an admirable job of passing the ball around (surprise!). But their back line looks shellshocked, and Real Madrid, with a 1-0 lead, are looking by far the happier of the two teams, and are having far more possession than normal.

Things can change in an instant, though, and a mistake by Madrid centre half Sergio Ramos lets Lionel Messi in one on one against Iker Casillas. The Argentina star opens up and takes an early shot, but the goalkeeper is up to the task and just about pushes the ball past the post for a corner kick. Real Madrid can't clear the corner, and as a result Fabio Coentrao is forced to foul Alexis Sanchez in a dangerous position. There's no card for the Portuguese - he's lucky to get away with that, actually, and Madrid finally clear their lines.

For all of our live coverage throughout the game, keep it on our Real Madrid vs. Barcelona, El Clasico StoryStream. For more on the two teams, head over to Real Madrid blog Managing Madrid and FC Barcelona blog Barca Blaugranes. For more from around the world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter and bookmark SB Nation Soccer

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