You have to laugh. Real Madrid’s pursuit, as brave as it has been relentless, was for nothing. Even with an incedible 17 victories in 18 unbeaten matches have proven not enough, because in the 19th match, Barcelona, the last side to beat Real in the league, arrived at the Bernabéu and destroyed them. Barcelona’s 6-2 victory, secured with two apiece from Thierry Henry and Leo Messi, plus one from Carles Puyol and Gerard Piqué, has propelled them seven points clear with four matches remaining.This season-defining Classico opened at a furious pace and with goals galore. Gonzalo Higuain sent the Bernabeu wild belting home a header from Sergio Ramos’ cross on 14 minutes. Barça were behind only momentarily, Thierry Henry drawing the Catalans level after a one-two with Leo Messi. Then captain Carlos Puyol completed the turnaround for the league leaders heading home a Xavi free-kick. In the 35th minute Lassana Diarra was knocked off the ball by Xavi and, after releasing Leo Messi, the mercurial Argentine grabbing a crowd-silencing third.
The second half continued at the same maniacal pace, Real Madrid striking first as Sergio Ramos was left unmarked to head home a Robben free-kick. But Barca quickly netted their fourth, Xavi making the pass to Theirry Henry and, after the Frenchman beat Casillas to the ball, slowly the ball found its way into the net. Then the amazing happened as Barca hit top gear, a stunning performance by Xavi saw the midfielder tee up Leo Messi for his second and in the final stages of the match Gerald Pique crashed home a historic sixth, Barca’s 100th goal of the season.
Increasingly middle-aged and increasingly disillusioned by modern football, I want to share with you how good football used to be before it was ruined by money. 
