A Tie in Barcelona

Sunday night Barcelona and Real Madrid tied the El Clasico 2-2 at Camp Nuo in Barcelona, Spain. The 90-minute match featured four goals, 28 shots, seven yellow cards, a red card and tons of controversy. 

Luis Suarez secured the opening goal for Barcelona in the first ten mins of the game with the help of a cross from Sergio Roberto. But their lead was short lived thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo who evened the score before a sprained ankle benched him at half-time.  

The second half featured a controversial goal by Lionel Messi that was allowed after a foul by Suarez on Madrid defender Varane. But with 20 minutes left Gareth Bale evened the score scoring for Real Madrid and tying the game.  

Minutes before #ElClásico, the colorful patchwork of cards contrasted with the city around it. One photographer had the best view of them all. 

See how he described it 👉 https://t.co/ATwPehR9R2 pic.twitter.com/5KgbAbHrod

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 8, 2018

Several questionable calls by Referee Alejandro Jose Hernandez Hernandez made headlines during the heated game. In the first half alone, Messi earned a yellow card after tackling Sergio Ramos and Roberto was shown a straight red after throwing a punch at left-back Marcelo.  

Later in the game, Bale also received a yellow card for a foul on Nélson Semedo and Suarez was disallowed a goal with an offside call. There was also some disagreement by Marcelo on a penalty appeal over a foul by Jordi Alba.  

Despite the minimal hype earlier last week, this match didn’t lack emotion. Especially for legend Andres Iniesta, who was substituted in the 57th minute of his last game with Barcelona, prompting a standing ovation from fans. Iniesta, who boasts nine La Liga championships, six Copa Del Ray crowns, and four UEFA Championship League titles, will join Vissel Kobe in Japan on a three-year contract with a $30 million annual salary.   

Gran clásico!!! Felicidades al equipo por el esfuerzo y a la afición por su energía!!! Siempre Barça!! Força Barça 🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/tdjX9at674

— Andrés Iniesta (@andresiniesta8) May 6, 2018

The tie allows Barcelona to remain undefeated 35-0 in La Liga this season with just three remaining games. A record that hasn’t been accomplished since Real went unbeaten in 18 games in 1931-32. They will host Villareal at Camp Nuo on Wednesday May 9. 

Meanwhile, Real Madrid will play Sevilla FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Wednesday as they continue to prepare for the upcoming Championship League Final on May 26.