Ramos levels at the death to steal a point for Madrid

Liam Hanna 7 years ago 10.4k
Ramos celebrates heading in Madrid's late equaliser. AFP

Sergio Ramos proved to be Madrid's late saviour once again as Real Madrid scored a 90th minute equaliser in one of the less classic 'Clasicos'.

Sergio Ramos can boast scoring in stoppage time in Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup finals and he can now add El Clasico to the list of pretigious games in which he has netted in the final minute or later.

It was a 'Clasico' that failed to live up to pre-game hype, with both teams failing to produce their best, free-flowing attacking football.

The first 45 minutes was a half of few chances, with penalty appeals being the main talking points.

The first appeal came from the away side, as Mascherano appeared to block the run of Lucas Vazquez, tripping the young forward inside the area. Replays showed that Madrid were unfortunate not to be given an early penalty, but Barca then had a couple of worthy shouts of their own. 

Sergi Roberto's effort hit Ramos' arm in the penalty area huge appeals ensued. However, the referee opted not to penalise the Real Madrid defender and probably made the correct decision, as Ramos' arms were by his side and there was very little he could do to get out the way of it.

Then next appeal was similar to Barca's first, but perhaps had more of a case. Jordi Alba's cross was blocked by Dani Carvajal, but replays showed that the ball did strike his arm which was outstretched to his right.

Madrid had the best of the chances late in the first half, with Ter Stegen beating away a powerful effort from Cristiano Ronaldo and also saved a deflected effort from Benzema and a header from Varane.

After an uncreative first half, Barcelona improved in the second 45 minutes and took the lead just eight minutes after the break. Neymar swung in a free-kick from the left which was met by Luis Suarez who headed past Keylor Navas.

Barcelona then had two more very good chances to double their lead. Firstly, Neymar cut inside from the left, working some space for a shot in a dangerous position, but just as the Nou Camp held its breath and waited for the net to bulge, the Brazilian fired over.

Later, Lionel Messi, who was quiet throughout the afternoon, had another excellent chance. Andres Iniesta, making his comeback from injury, played a pinpoint pass for the Argentine who found himself in a good position but dragged his shot wide.

Despite missed chances, Barcelona still appeared to be heading for victory with Madrid enduring a quiet second half.

However, cometh the hour cometh the man and Sergio Ramos equalised with a header in the 90th minute from a Luca Modric corner. 

Barcelona did have another chance to win the game deep into stoppage time when Sergi Roberto's looped header was cleared off the line, but it was a frustrating afternoon for the hosts who couldn't hold out to close the six-point gap on their fierce rivals.

Mentioned in the news story

Barcelona
Real Madrid
Sergio Ramos
Luis Suárez