Lionel Messi scored one and set up another as Barcelona extended their lead at the top of La Liga at the expense of old foes Real Madrid. Photo: Getty ImagesBarcelona exploited a lacklustre Real Madrid to win the 'Clasico' 3-0 on Saturday as goals from Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Aleix Vidal gave the Catalans a 3-0 win and moved them 14 points clear of their biggest rivals in La Liga. However, the European champions collapsed after the interval and Barca took full advantage. Real's supporters unfurled a giant banner before kickoff to boast of the unprecedented five trophies the team had won in 2017. They created a number of opportunities after the interval, however, and could have punished Real even further than they did.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 24, 2017 05:37 UTC