The Legendary El Clasico Between Real Madrid and Barcelona in 2005

The Legendary El Clasico Match Between Real Madrid and Barcelona in 2005

The El Clasico between Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona is one of the most anticipated fixtures in world football. Whenever these two heavyweights meet, fireworks are guaranteed. The 2005 El Clasico was no different and produced one of the most entertaining and controversial matches in the rivalry's illustrious history.

The Build-Up to the Match

Coming into the match in November 2005, Real Madrid sat at the top of La Liga with an undefeated record after 11 games. Their expensively assembled Galacticos squad contained superstars like Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham and Roberto Carlos. Barcelona were facing a mini-crisis as they languished in 6th place after an inconsistent start under new coach Frank Rijkaard.

The momentum was firmly with Real Madrid and 90,000 fans crammed into the Santiago Bernabeu stadium expecting to see their team continue their dominance over the old enemy. Barcelona had their own marquee names like Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and newcomer Lionel Messi, but Madrid were heavy favorites.

Drama and Controversy Right from the Start

The match started at a frenetic pace and controversy arose in the 12th minute when Barcelona striker Eto'o raced through on goal only to be brought down cynically by Madrid defender Pepe. Despite appearing to be the last man, Pepe somehow escaped with only a yellow card to the fury of Barcelona players and fans.

Just two minutes later, Ronaldo missed a golden chance at the other end, latching onto a Beckham cross but somehow contriving to nod wide from point-blank range. Those misses looked likely to prove costly when Ronaldinho's glorious pass released Eto'o through on goal in the 17th minute and this time he made no mistake, latching onto the ball before coolly rounding Casillas and slotting home.

Real Madrid Fight Back

Stung by going behind, Madrid stormed forward and leveled the scores in the 28th minute through talismanic Portuguese winger Figo. Collecting possession on the right, he jinked past two defenders before drilling a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, bringing the Bernabeu crowd to its feet.

Parity lasted barely two minutes though before Barcelona restored their lead in stunning fashion. Deco's pass found Eto'o in space just inside the Madrid half and he released Ronaldinho who surged goalwards. With two defenders retreating, the Brazilian unleashed a stunning dipping shot from 30 yards that swerved away from Casillas' despairing dive and rippled the net.

Red Card Changes the Game

Early in the second half Real Madrid suffered a major setback when midfielder Pablo Garcia was shown a second yellow card for a poor tackle on Messi. With a man advantage, Barcelona started dominating possession and Ronaldinho missed a golden chance to extend the lead in the 63rd minute, sidefooting wide after being played in by Eto'o.

That miss would come back to haunt Barcelona as Madrid drew level against the run of play in the 80th minute. Zidane's pass found Beckham in space down the right and his inch-perfect cross was headed powerfully home by fellow substitute Ronaldo. With the scores level at 2-2, an epic final 10 minutes was in store.

Last Gasp Drama

In a frantic end-to-end finish, both keepers had to make fantastic saves to keep it level. First Valdes somehow clawed away Zidane's goalbound header before Casillas matched him by denying Eto'o at point blank range at the other end.

Just when a draw seemed inevitable, Ronaldinho produced a moment of magic in the 89th minute to win it for Barcelona. He twisted away from two defenders on the edge of the area before firing in a low shot that deflected off Sergio Ramos and looped agonizingly over the stranded Casillas.

Barcelona held on through 5 nervy minutes of stoppage time to complete an epic 3-2 victory at the home of their fiercest rivals. Ronaldinho finished with a goal and assist to inspire Barcelona's comeback despite being second-best for long periods. The win also ended Madrid's long unbeaten run and served notice of Barcelona's revival under Rijkaard.

Why This Game Was So Significant

This El Clasico match is rightfully remembered as a classic for numerous reasons. It featured many of the best players of that era at the peak of their powers and swung unpredictably several times before a dramatic late winner.

It was notable for being Ronaldinho's breakout display in the biggest club fixture in world football. His scintillating performance marked his arrival as a Barcelona superstar and launched his Ballon d'Or winning season.

This game also represented a turning point for Barcelona under Rijkaard. It gave them belief and confidence which spurred them onto their first La Liga title for six years that season. They would go onto more success including a Champions League win in 2006.

For Real Madrid the defeat ended their undefeated streak which proved to be a decisive blow to their title ambitions. They finished the season empty-handed as Barcelona claimed La Liga. Manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo was sacked soon after this loss.

With its unpredictable twists and turns, contentious refereeing decisions and late drama, this El Clasico match cemented its place as an all-time classic. Both sides contained multiple Ballon d'Or winners and all-time great players at their very best. For drama, controversy and sheer entertainment value, the 2005 El Clasico delivered everything.

FAQs

Who scored Barcelona's goals in the match?

Samuel Eto'o scored Barcelona's first and third goals while Ronaldinho scored their second goal.

Why was Real Madrid reduced to 10 men in the second half?

Midfielder Pablo Garcia received a second yellow card and was sent off early in the second half.

How many Ballon d'Or winners featured in the match?

There were four Ballon d'Or winners on the pitch - Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Figo.

What was significant about Ronaldinho's winning goal?

His 89th minute goal completed Barcelona's comeback from 2-1 down and gave them a memorable 3-2 victory at the Bernabeu.