Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals each in an entertaining El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Nou Camp, which finished 2-2
Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, before Messi equalized just past the half hour. The Argentine then gave the home side a 2-1 lead with a stunning free kick, but Ronaldo earned Real a deserved point with a neat finish five minutes later.
Real manager Jose Mourinho felt both sides put on quite a show for the viewing public. "I think that the world will be happy because often these matches are too tactical and finish goalless," the Portuguese said. "This match had everything that people like.
"Those fans that are in different time zones will have been awake and enjoyed this Clasico a lot and perhaps are already asking for another one in the Cup or the Champions League, if we get through.
"I think it was a great match and I said so to (Barcelona manager Tito) Vilanova. The league is as it was before with the same point difference that there was before the match. I really enjoyed my team's display."
Mourinho also admitted a point was the fair result for both sides. "For me, the result reflects the match," he said. "I, as a coach, I enjoyed it, and I'm sure Vilanova and the players did too.
"I'll take this outcome. It is a true reflection of the match overall. It was tightly fought and nobody knew what the outcome was going to be until the last minute. There were opportunities to score for both teams."
Messi also agreed with the Real manager, saying: "It was a beautiful game, we could have won, and they also could have won. We seek to win, but it's not easy.
"We played against Madrid and we knew it would be very complicated. We were close to ending (just) five points above.
"We went to look for the result but we knew we had in front a very good Real Madrid team, with very good players. We're still eight points clear but we know that there is still much to play for."
Messi refused to take any credit for his wonderful display. "I'm not speaking individually, no one is special," he added. "These games motivate everyone to play, not only Cristiano Ronaldo and me."
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