Right after kick-off Messi wins the ball but misplaces a pass, leading to a Real Madrid goal-kick.

Emerson is booked for a late challenge from behind on Messi, catching the back of his leg with his studs.

Messi drops his shoulder to cut inside his marker and unleashes a shot that goes straight at Casillas.

Messi produces brilliant skill in the Madrid area to beat two defenders before squaring for Gudjohnsen, who shoots wide from close range.

Iniesta feeds Messi, who has time and space but sends his shot well over the bar.

Ronaldinho and Messi exchange a neat headed one-two, but Messi is disrupted by Roberto Carlos’s challenge from behind and the ball runs through to Casillas.

Messi threads a superb defence-splitting pass to Gudjohnsen, but the striker is marginally offside and the move is halted.

Robinho aggressively closes down Messi and wins a tackle on him, earning Real Madrid a throw-in.

Messi halts the marauding Sergio Ramos with a foul as the defender charges up the right flank.

Robinho brings down Messi about thirty yards from goal, giving Barcelona a promising free-kick opportunity.

Emerson fouls Messi yet again, leaving both players down on the turf amid suggestions Emerson is exaggerating to avoid a second yellow.

Messi embarks on another run and goes to ground on the edge of the box after contact with Roberto Carlos, but the referee waves play on.

Messi finally comes very close, driving a shot just wide of the post, moments before Van Nistelrooy forces Valdés into a one-on-one save at the other end.