Barcelona — The defining image of the previous Clasico in the league last April was of Lionel Messi defiantly showing the back of his shirt to the baying Real Madrid crowd after burying the winning goal to settle a thrilling contest 3-2 for Barcelona. The goal, also the Argentinian’s 500th strike for his club, proved futile in Barca’s pursuit of Madrid, who still won a first La Liga crown in five years, but has had a surprising knock-on effect on the current campaign. Cristiano Ronaldo, locked in a compelling battle with Messi for being named the best player in the world, replicated Messi’s celebration four months later when he scored for Real against Barca in the Nou Camp in the Spanish Super Cup. However, his actions had unintended consequences. Ronaldo incurred an automatic booking for removing his shirt to celebrate the goal in Real’s 3-1 win and two minutes later was sent off for a second yellow card, this time for diving. Incredulous at the decision, he pushed referee Ricardo ...
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