It has taken me several days to process the latest round of El Clásico.  Perhaps I am too invested.  Perhaps I am still depressed that Real Madrid did not win.  And although my last article was entitled “The Gloves Are Off, But No Decision Yet”, an actual fight in Wednesday’s Barcelona/Real Madrid match was not expected or wanted.  At least not one that involved blows, because there was a more important fight that lasted 90 minutes, one between two highly talented teams who play amazing football, dance around the ball and create magic. 

In that fight, it took only 30 seconds for Xabi Alonso to strip the ball, spin around and set up an on target shot by Cristiano Ronaldo.  Pace, desire and intensity by Madrid kept the pressure on Barcelona, but in a flash, David Villa and Lionel Messi were threatening.  Initial attempts by both sides were thwarted thanks to incredible saves by Iker Casillas and Victor Valdes as well as hard work from their spectacular defensive front men, Pepe and Mascherano, a trend that would continue the entire match.

Every few moments, a spark would ignite one side or the other causing gasps, cheers and jeers from the crowd at the Camp Nou.  Messi didn’t even look up to pass to Andres Iniesta, and like Messi’s goal in the first game, Casillas would be faced with a one-on-one challenge and could only watch as Iniesta’s ball slid easily in to the back of the net.  Madrid kept their composure, however, and were rewarded when a strong shot from Karim Benzema would pinball off several players (with a final touch by Ronaldo) to land in the back of the net.

The superstars weren’t the only ones who shined.  Nearly every player would have moments of brilliance.  Pedro’s fancy footwork to split Pepe and Fábio Coenträo required all of Saint Iker’s skill to keep Pedro from scoring.  Ángel Di María, Mesut Özil and Sami Khedira worked tirelessly and made gorgeous passes and steals in the process.  A bad pass by Gerard Pique and Benzema was nearly free.  Ronaldo had a rocket of a shot and Valdes needed an assist from the cross bar to keep it out of goal.  I was dizzy trying to count the potential chances – and this was all within the first 25 minutes!  It would be Messi’s dance around multiple defenders that led to Barcelona’s second goal just before the half. 

It is hard to fathom that this game was being held before the La Liga season starts and not a late stage Champions League match.  As the game progressed, changes were made, but the grandeur of this game continued to be spellbinding to watch.  Ironically, it would be one of the uglier plays that would tie the game.  I was reminded of the old saying “if at first you don’t succeed…”  A questionable corner led to confusion in front of the goal.  Benzema would get a clear chance that failed but he nailed the off balance second opportunity and it would be 2-2 with under 10 minutes to go.

As if a late in the game tie in was not enough drama, the saga would continue – Barcelona would bring on Cesc Fabregas.  After all the questions surrounding his transfer, here he was debuting for his new club with under 10 minutes remaining.  Pep Guardiola knew what he was doing.  A stunning set of passes would make Fabregas’ start a memorable one - Fabregas to Messi to Adriano to Messi - GOAL.  Even as a Madrid fan who felt pain and tears at that moment, I had to appreciate the brilliance that would be the final goal of the match. 

Incredible tackles, smart fouls, speedy runs, precision passing, powerful shots, touch steals, finger tip saves, two of the best coaches and the best players in the world - this game had it all.  Watching the English Premier League this weekend, I was struck that teams with brilliantly talented players seemed sluggish and had to remind myself that there is a reason Real Madrid/Barcelona is called El Clásico.  The talent, skill, desire and intensity is worth every moment and each game is a classic.  Last season we were lucky enough to get extra games between these two power houses.  One can only hope to get them again.

A.J. Nelson can be found on Twitter @FootieObsessed