Messi has his first notable spell on the ball, dribbling positively around the edge of the box before the move fizzles out. It’s an early sign of his intent but Madrid’s defence holds firm.

From right of centre Messi delivers a dangerous ball into the area, but Real Madrid’s defence head it clear before any teammate can latch onto it. It’s an early probing effort into the box.

Iniesta carries Barcelona forward and plays a one-two with Messi, but Xabi Alonso’s excellent sliding challenge cuts out the return pass just as Messi looks to receive it in the box.

On the edge of the box Messi produces a delightful reverse pass that sends Xavi clean through, but Xavi can’t keep his finish under control and the chance is wasted. The vision and disguise from Messi carve Madrid open.

Messi uses sharp footwork to release Iniesta, who then lays the ball off to Thiago; Thiago’s low shot from just over 20 yards drifts wide. Messi’s quick feet spark the move that almost brings Barcelona level.

Barcelona string together intricate passes between Tello, Xavi and Messi around the area before Alves crosses towards Messi, but the Argentine is marginally offside as the ball comes in. The slick combination play nearly unlocks Madrid.

In a thrilling passage before half-time, Messi dribbles past a couple of defenders and surges forward at pace but eventually loses control, immediately followed by a similar driving run from Ronaldo at the other end. It’s a vivid illustration of the duel between the two stars.

Messi drops deep and embarks on a mazy run before Xabi Alonso’s tackle halts him; the referee surprisingly gives a foul, though replays suggest Alonso took the ball cleanly. Messi’s burst unsettles Madrid even if the decision is debatable.

Messi lets fly with a shot from the edge of the area, but Pepe manages to block it with his thigh and divert the danger. It’s one of Messi’s few efforts on goal that Madrid manage to smother.

Messi shrugs off Sergio Ramos with ease in a physical duel, showcasing remarkable strength for his size as he powers past the defender. The moment underlines how hard he is to dispossess even by rugged centre-backs.

Attempting a one-two with Xavi, Messi again tangles with Sergio Ramos, who intervenes to break up the move and ends up on the turf after the robust challenge. Messi’s physical presence repeatedly troubles Madrid’s defensive leader.

Messi produces a fantastic driving run to create Barcelona’s equaliser, bursting through to set up a sequence where Tello’s shot is saved by Casillas, Adriano’s follow-up is deflected and parried, and Alexis finally turns in the rebound. Messi’s initial run and creation ignite the move that makes it 1-1.

Granero cynically hacks down Messi, stopping him from driving forward and earning a yellow card for the challenge. The foul reflects Madrid’s desperation to halt Messi’s influence by any means.