Barcelona breathed new life into their La Liga title hopes as a Lionel Messi hat-trick helped fire them to victory in a thrilling match at 10-man Real Madrid. Andres Iniesta shot into the top corner before Karim Benzema’s brace put Real ahead. Messi restored parity soon after but Cristiano Ronaldo put Real back ahead from the penalty spot. After Sergio Ramos was sent off, Messi won the game with two penalties.

It was Messi’s second hat-trick in a row as he became the second highest scorer in La Liga history, moving ahead of former Real striker Hugo Sanchez onto 236 goals.

The Argentine also became the all-time top scorer in Clasicos with 21 goals, beating Real legend Alfredo Di Stefano, as Barcelona moved to within one point of Sunday’s opponents.

Messi has produced some indifferent performances this year but he has been back to his best lately with an inspirational performance in Barca’s Champions League passage past Manchester City now followed by successive league trebles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-Qelef7dkE

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