28 Apr 2011

Messi gives Barca 2-0 win

9:47 am on 28 April 2011

Lionel Messi's sublime double took Barcelona to a 2-nil win over Real Madrid in a tempestuous Champions League football semi-final first leg match which left Real with 10 men and coach Jose Mourinho in the stands.

Messi's two goals settled a scrappy and tense affair at the Bernabeu and gave Barcelona a huge advantage to take back to the Nou Camp.

The Argentinian broke the deadlock from close range 14 minutes from time and made sure of the win three minutes from time, weaving his way into the Real penalty area and slotting the ball past goal-keeper Iker Casillas.

Mourinho was sent off for his protestations soon after midfielder Pepe was sent off in the 61st minute for a flying tackle on Daniel Alves.

Tempers had already flared at halftime with players and officials involved in a melee which resulted in Barcelona's reserve goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto being sent off.