Messi rises to meet Dani Alves’ cross with a header from the centre of the box, but Gero Rulli tips it away from the top left corner. A well-placed effort that forces a strong save from the keeper.

Driving down the right wing, Messi draws a foul to win a free kick in an advanced wide position, keeping Barcelona on the front foot.

Messi threads a sharp through ball into the box for Gerard Piqué, whose right-footed shot from close range is saved by Rulli. The pass slices open La Real’s defence even though the chance is denied.

Messi attempts another incisive through ball to release Neymar, but the Brazilian is flagged offside after breaking beyond the defensive line.

After Xavi’s headed pass into the area, Messi latches onto the ball in the centre of the box and fires a left-footed shot that is blocked by the defence.

Luis Suárez looks to send Messi through on goal, but Messi’s run in behind the defence is halted by an offside call.

From outside the box, Messi unleashes a left-footed strike after combining with Neymar, but Rulli gets down to save it low at the bottom right corner.

Messi races into the centre of the box on a fast break and drives a left-footed shot just wide of the left post after being teed up by Neymar, narrowly missing a third Barça goal.