Messi Wishes Christmas To Fans After El Clasico Win

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi took to Facebook to celebrate Saturday's 3-0 win over arch-rivals Real Madrid at Bernabeu, wishing the fans Merry Christmas.

After an equal display of game in the first half which saw the home side missing chances, Karim Benzema hit the post and Cristiano Ronaldo missed two good chances, the visitors controlled the second half.

Suarez scored the opener and his 10th of the season before Carvajal blocked the goal with his hand earning a red card and giving off the penalty. Messi converted it becoming La Liga's leading scorer against Real Madrid with his 17th goal.

Saves from Marc-Andre ter Stegen ensured no heroic comeback from the whites and Aleix Vidal scored the third in final moments.

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique analysed: “We had problems in the first half because of their high press, so we had to be patient, even if it meant we didn’t see much of the ball.

“In the second half, we had control of the game and ball, and from there came our chances and the penalty, which left them a man down.”

"Bon Nadal #ElClasico" the 30-year-old wrote on Twitter, which means 'Merry Christmas'.

After the victory, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner wrote on Facebook: "Great to end the year with an important win in El Clasico! Hugs and Merry Christmas to you all!"

Barcelona have now opened 14 points lead on the defending La Liga and European champions.