When they were leading, Real Madrid were pleased as punch with themselves, and they were playing like they knew with complete certainty that the game was theirs. Since Alexis Sanchez's equaliser, however, it's been all Barcelona, the visitors really growing into the occasion and looking incredibly threatening whenever they have the ball, which is most of the time.
Real Madrid Vs. Barcelona, 2011 El Clasico: Things Get Chippy At Santiago Bernabeu
Barca are somewhat unlucky not to be given what would either be a penalty or a free kick at the very edge of the area when Pepe comes across and clatters Sanchez, but referee David Fernandez Borbalan completely ignores it and lets play continue. Looked like a foul to me, although there’s some suggestion that the Chilean exaggerated contact (surprise!).
Things are getting increasingly ill-tempered at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Lionel Messi has somehow managed to get himself within inches of being sent off. The little forward had previously talked his way into a caution, and all eyes were on the ref when a late lunging challenge from the Argentine took out Xabi Alonso, but somehow he managed to escape without further censure. Another one of those and he'll be off.
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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