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Madrid's "Real" hopes of winning the Champions League trophy after a long break are dwindling - led by Lionel Messi, Barcelona took advantage of Pepe's removal from the field in the first semi-final match and celebrated a crucial 2-0 victory in the Spanish capital.
There were more emotions than significant episodes in the first half, and the passion did not subside as the referee announced a break - a scuffle broke out between players of both teams, for which the German referee Wolfgang Stark showed a red card to Barcelona's substitute goalkeeper Manuel Pinto.
However, perhaps the most crucial episode of the match occurred in the 61st minute, when Real defender Pepe committed a dangerous foul against the opponent by lifting his leg. Stark was unforgiving this time as well - the Portuguese was sent off the field, and soon after, the Madrid team's manager Jose Mourinho, who did not hide his anger and sarcastically applauded the referee's brigade, was also escorted to the stands.
The Catalans fully capitalized on their numerical advantage - first, Lionel Messi sent the ball into the net from close range after Ibrahim Afellay's cross from the right in the 76th minute, and in the 87th minute, the Argentine virtuoso shattered the entire Real defense with a skillful run and doubled the lead.
Real Madrid 0 - 2 Barcelona 76' [0 - 1] L.Messi 87' [0 - 2] L.Messi
Removed from the bench in the 45th minute J.M.Pinto (Barcelona) Removed from the field in the 61st minute Pepe (Real)
Pepe's removal from the field:
Goals:
Disturbances during the break:
