Reliving the best individual performances in the El Clasico

#3 Xavi Hernandez

Xavi pulled all the strings in the 6-2 win

The puppet master, the best controlling midfielder the world has ever seen, Xavi had his fair share of moments in the Clasico. From being involved in a banter with Sergio Ramos to finishing beautifully past Iker Casillas, for the first goal in the 5-0 win, Xavi saw it all.

The most memorable El Clasico involving the Spaniard has to be the 6-2 win against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu. Xavi created four opportunities that led to a goal, four. The first one was the pinpoint cross towards the head of his captain Carles Puyol.

The second one was when he gave a lesson in ball retention to the Madrid players. He pinched the ball from under the nose of Lass Diarra that let Lionel Messi run free into the open space ahead and finish. Afterwards, he broke apart the defence and midfield of the Madrid outfit, with one neat through ball, that found its way towards Thierry Henry who scored past Casillas.

Xavi’s fourth assist was a perfect classic Xavi play. He had the ball right in front of the box but he was under immense pressure from Cannavaro and Gago. Xavi completed his trademark 360° turn before sensing Messi’s movement inside the box. Xavi passed the ball to Messi without even bothering to look, as Real Madrid was caught off guard again.

The assists were just the icing on the cake. The midfield performance from Xavi, coming under high press but still keeping the ball away like a master, dribbling, passing, even shooting, it was a complete performance.

The Bernabeu had to witness a long 90 minutes and Xavi made the Madrid fans crave for the final whistle.