REAL MADRID have Marcelo to thank for their vital 2-0 win over rivals Barcelona that saw Los Blancos return to the top of the La Liga table.
Zinedine Zidane’s side edged El Clasico at the Bernabeu following second-half strikes from Vinicius Junior and Mariano – but it was a last-ditch tackle rather than a goal that made the headlines.
Marcelo made a last-ditch tackle to deny Lionel Messi in Real Madrid’s win over BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Brazilian roared in celebration to the Bernabeu crowdCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Just minutes after Real went 1-0 up, Lionel Messi latched on a through ball from Frenkie de Jong that set him clear on goal.
However, before the Barca captain was denied the chance to pull the trigger past Thibaut Courtois after a crucial slide tackle from Marcelo.
The Brazilian did brilliantly in catching up with Messi to make the challenge, incredibly clocking in at a faster 19.3mph while the Argentinian was running at 18mph.
Following the dramatic tackle, Marcelo rose to his feet and roared to the crowd in the Bernabeu as if he’d scored himself.
Messi was then made to rue his missed opportunity after Mariano struck in stoppage time to seal the home side’s win.
But Twitter was sent into meltdown by the exchange, with one writing: “My Messi is now old, competing with Marcelo for speed.”
Another said: “Marcelo has used so many aspects of experience he has gained over the last decade today.
“Some years ago he possibly/probably fouls Messi there, causing problems as a result but that was a sensational piece of defending.”
Former Madrister Cristiano Ronaldo was in the stands for the game, and other fans joked he was the reason for former teammate Marcelo’s heroics.
The Portuguese’s presence clearly influenced Vinicius meanwhile as the 19-year-old imitated his iconic “Siii” celebration after scoring.
CR7 was supposed to spend his weekend taking on Inter Milan in their huge Serie A title scrap, but the game was called off due to the coronavirus.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
