5 Best performances in El Clasico history

#1 Lionel Messi - Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona, 27th April 2011

Never in any doubt, was it? With a staggering 26 goals in 41 appearances against Real Madrid, Lionel Messi is no doubt the greatest player to ever take part in this fixture. Messi's impact in this fixture has been so immense, and on such a consistent basis that we can make a top 5 list on his performances against the Los Blancos. However, in the interest of choosing one, there is none which stands out as much as his Champions League performance in 2011.

The two teams were drawn against each other in the semi-finals of the 2010/11 Champions League season, and the stage was set for the greats to battle it out. A 24-year-old back then, Messi arrived at the Santiago Bernebeu and proved to the fans why he is the best footballer in the world by demolishing Real Madrid in front of their support.

The little magician netted twice as Barcelona got two invaluable away goals against their nemesis, and one of his goals is often remembered as the best one he has ever scored. Messi made the entire Madrid defence dance as he skipped past four challenges to slot the ball past Casillas in the 87th minute of the game.

A draw in the second leg would see Barcelona advance to the finals, where they defeated Manchester United to win their second Champions League title in three years. It was in the first leg that Messi announced his status as one of the greatest ever, and that saga has continued till date.