(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – Lionel Messi scored his 500th Barcelona goal with the last kick of the game to snatch a stunning 3-2 win at Real Madrid and put the two teams level on points at the top of La Liga on Sunday.
James Rodriguez appeared to have rescued a point for the host with an 86th-minute strike to make it 2-2 after goals by Messi and Ivan Rakitic had overturned Casemiro’s opener.
Madrid captain Sergio Ramos was sent off for a two-footed lunge on Messi in the 77th minute and that left Barcelona in a strong position, until Rodriguez fired home at the near post.
But Messi’s second goal in the final minute of added time earned Barca a vital win in the title race that leaves both sides with 75 points, although Madrid has a game in hand.
