Barcelona 3-3 Real Madrid
Those present at the Camp Nou were witness to a fine exhibition of attacking football. Real set the tone early when after only 2 minutes Ronaldo recieved the ball to feet just outside the box turned Oleguer and fired a shot low to the right of Victor Valdes to give Real an early lead. Barcelona visibly shaken tried to hit back straight away but some good defensive work from Ivan Helguera kept the score 1-0.
With chances at both end it was up to Robinho to tap home after valdes had thwarted Ronaldos earlier opportunity. 42 mins gone 2-0 Real.
As is always the case it was the magic of Ronaldinho that brought Barcelona back into the game. The mercurial Brazlian recieved the ball to feet and turned two real defenders slotting home in the bottom left hand corner. 2-1 lifeline for Barca.
Barcelona came out with a verve they had lacked in the opening 45 mins and immediatly had Real on the back foot. Real used this to their advantage however putting themselves in great position with some lovely counter attacking football. The game was now wide open. When Ronaldinho went from his own half taking on three real madrid players and forcing a corner from Salgado the danger appeared to be over, but a text book delivery into the "corridor of uncertianty" from Xavi forced Carlos to react accordingly and he unfortunately for Real headed the ball into his own net. Had he not done so Eto'o was right behind him so a degree of sympathy should be shown towards Carlos. 2-2 game on.
The free flowing football was now at its peak and Ronaldo took full advantage scoring a carbon copy of his earlier goal after a ball to feet from Zidane found the Real striker with his back to goal once more. This time he spun the other way and a beautiful slide rule pass found its way yet again into the top left hand corner of the barca net. 3-2 Real.
Barca refused to give up and they got their rewards in the 85" minute after some lovely one touch approach play found Eto'o about 35 yard from goal. He turned two men and sprinted for all he was worth towards goal but some really good defensive play from Ivan Helguera sent him futher and futher from goal. Eto'o unpreturbed found the tightest of angles to slip the ball past Casillas to the rapture of the home faithful. 3-3.
There was still another chance to be had but Ronaldinho hit the ball dispairingly over the bar and the referee blew for the full time whistle.
At the end of the game both managers can feel pleased with the way their sides set about the game. It was a showpiece game and the players were worthy to grace El Classico. A game for the ages with the right result at the end.
Barcas manager said: "I am happy we have started to take our chances but we are conceding soft goals."