Sergio Ramos’ forearm smash on Lionel Messi in El Clasico had fans raging – but there was a lot of love for the Barcelona genius squaring up to his Real Madrid rival.
Ramos targeted Messi during the closing moments of the first half of Saturday’s El Clasico, which Barcelona won 1-0 thanks to Ivan Rakitic’s goal.
Messi attempted to make a tackle on Ramos, but as the Real skipper hurdled the challenge he thwacked the Argentine in the mouth with his arm.
The Barcelona star was furious and squared up to Ramos. Messi, Luis Suarez and Gerard Pique then all crowded the ref – with Messi attempting to show the blood that he felt coming out a cut.
Messi and his team-mates had the last laugh, with the win taking them 12 points clear of third-placed Real, and 10 clear of nearest challengers Atletico Madrid.
And fans reckoned Ramos was riled by Messi’s vastly superior El Clasico record – the Argentine is the top scorer in El Clasico history with a staggering 26 strikes in 41 games, while his 14 assists in the famous fixture is also a record. He has won 19 El Clasicos and lost 12.
Ramos, meanwhile, now has a record 20 losses in El Clasico, and holds the record for the most cards in the fixture.
Messi’s reaction also won the popular vote, with one fan saying it was good to see angry Messi back. Some said the normally placid Barcelona player’s reaction spoke volumes, while others Ramos should have been sent off.
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