Real Madrid – Barcelona: Bellingham Buzzer Beater Brings Home The Crown? (3-2)

To the exact day ten years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo had wrecked Catalan hearts on the way to a historic 100 point haul. Here, the Santiago Bernabéu beckoned forward its newest hero to seal the deal at the death. Their rivals might not be at the same peaks that defined the days of their manager on the field, but setting the standard is still second nature to this sporting institution.

Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

Real Madrid are rallying the charge for more glory. Revenge was the result of a riveting repeat of their clash with Champions League holders Manchester City, booking a place in the final four of the tournament. The royalty of Spanish football returned to their base in the knowledge that the league title was theirs to lose. An eight point lead at the top of the table looked almost inconceivable to claw back. The procession to the trophy would truly become a formality if their latest opponents fell short.

Xavi's zeal for Barcelona could not commit the confidence of the club to his management beyond the end of this campaign. Yet, that revelation to the rest of the world at the end of January had a healthy effect. The Catalans . . .