Messi works magic again, frustrates arch rival Real Madrid

Surprised soccer fans called the moment “Maradona reborn” when FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, 24, made yet another historic moment.

The first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals between Real Madrid and Barcelona saw soaring tension with a war of words between coaches, fans’ booing and scuffles between opposing players.

Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid was packed with 80,000 spectators, with even all of the 4,000 most expensive tickets priced at 2.6 million won (2,430 U.S. dollars) sold out. Messi disappointed Real fans once again, however.

The forward scored the opening goal in the 76th minute but saved the best for the 87th minute. He got the ball and ran through Real`s highly paid defense about 35 meters, passed four defenders, and scored his second of the game before falling.

The 2-0 win kept Real fans quiet and frustrated

Fights broke out between players from both sides throughout the game, and a halftime scuffle resulted in a red card for Barcelona reserve goalie Jose Manuel Pinto.

Real midfielder Pepe got a straight red in the 61st minute, and this proved fatal. Real coach Jose Mourinho then protested the call and was himself ejected from the game as well for blasting referees for favoring Barca, asking, “Why, why, why?”

The second leg of the semifinals will be in Barcelona Wednesday next week.

bluesky@donga.com