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New Maradona v new Pele top the Bernabeu bill
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-18 14:05
They had hoped that Messi would not count as a foreigner because he had come
up through the club's youth ranks, but the lack of a definitive ruling on the
matter persuaded them to leave the player on the sidelines.
An application for dual Spanish citizenship was rushed through and he was
eventually freed to play at the start of October.
The dispute rumbles on, however, as several other clubs and the Spanish
Football League say Messi should not be permitted to play until January when the
registration period opens again.
Messi has been in scintillating form every time he has appeared on the pitch
this season. He has struck up an almost telepathic understanding with Ronaldinho
and his pace, close control and direct running have created havoc among
opposition defences.
Fans of both sides are praying that the bureaucratic wrangling will not
deprive them of the chance to see two of the most exciting young players in
world football go head-to-head on Saturday.
Six memorable Real-Barcelona league matches
MADRID, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Six memorable league matches between Real Madrid
and Barcelona:
1973-74 Real Madrid 0 Barcelona 5
Playmaker Johan Cruyff revolutionised a Barca team that had not won the
league title in 14 years and led them to a crushing victory at the Bernabeu, a
result regarded as Real's most humiliating defeat in their own stadium.
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