On this Day: Messi hits hat-trick in thrilling Clasico

Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Seven goals, a red card and three points at the Bernabeu

A quick browse through the history books shows that March 23 was a pretty fun day six years ago when Barcelona took a trip to the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga.

Ninety minutes and seven goals later the visitors were heading home with all three points, Lionel Messi had the match ball and had also become the all-time Clasico top goalscorer.

The win also breathed life into Barca’s faltering title bid, moving them to within a point of joint leaders Atletico Madrid (who went on to win La Liga) and Real Madrid.

A frantic match saw Andres Iniesta open the scoring on seven minutes, planting a brilliant shot into the top corner to open the scoring in some style.

Photo by Miguel Ruiz/FC Barcelona via Getty Images

Two goals in four minutes from Karim Benzema put Los Blancos ahead before Messi equalised three minutes before half-time.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty restored Madrid’s lead early in the second half, although it was a controversial decision as Dani Alves’ foul looked to have taken place outside the box.

A dramatic conclusion to the match followed with Real Madrid reduced to 10 when Sergio Ramos was sent off for a foul on Neymar.

Messi made it 3-3 from the penalty spot and then scored the winner with another spot-kick after Xabi Alonso and Dani Carvajal fouled Iniesta.

Enjoy the highlights below:

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