Madrid: Arch-rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid put their disappointing exits from Europe in midweek behind them to produce a thrilling "clasico" at the Nou Camp.
Four goals in the first half hour, end-to-end action, a sending off, some outstanding goalkeeping, a last-gasp goal and a virtuoso hat-trick in a 3-3 draw meant that this "clasico" really did live up to its billing.
Real twice took the lead in the first half through Ruud van Nistelrooy, but on each occasion they were pegged back by goals from Barca's Argentine prodigy Lionel Messi.
Barca fullback Oleguer was sent off on the stroke of half-time and Real looked to have secured only their second league win in 24 years at the Nou Camp when Sergio Ramos put them 3-2 up with a header midway through the second half.
But a stunning last-minute goal from Messi deprived Real of a memorable victory and allowed Barca to emerge with their pride intact.
For Real the final result may have been a disappointment, but the way they played will have given the side a vital boost in morale as the domestic season enters its most decisive phase.
With an inspired Guti at the helm, Real threw off the shackles that have restricted them for much of the season and had defending champions on the ropes in the second half.
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"I can't explain how we didn't come way from here with the win," Van Nistelrooy told reporters. "It's incredible, we had the game in our grasp after taking the lead three times, but it somehow escaped us.
"After losing in Munich, this team showed it has heart. We need to carry on like this for the remaining 12 matches of the season."
Capello Support
Real's performance prompted club president Ramon Calderon to come out in defence of under-fire coach Fabio Capello who, Spanish media reported, would have been sacked if his team had been heavily defeated.
"The coach proved that he knows what he is doing," said Calderon. "We showed that we've got a great team and are capable of beating anyone."
For Barca, 19-year-old Messi was toast of the Nou Camp as he became the first player since Brazilian striker Romario to score a hat-trick for Barcelona against their arch-rivals.
"He had a very special game," said coach Frank Rijkaard. "He saved us from defeat and should be congratulated because he is a great talent."
The normally taciturn Messi could hardly contain his excitement.
"It will be hard to forget this day," he said. "I was keen to get a goal and I ended up getting three. That was something I'd never dreamed of doing.
"We were all hurt by the Liverpool defeat, but the way we got this draw will give us some comfort even though we'd have liked to have won."
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