National News – Former Real Madrid defender Marcelo has opened up on the dramatic 2017 El Clásico clash against Barcelona, revealing how Lionel Messi reacted after a tough tackle left him bleeding during one of football’s biggest rivalries.

The Brazilian recalled that the heated encounter took place at the Santiago Bernabéu on April 23, 2017, when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 in a thrilling La Liga showdown.

Marcelo explained that he tackled Messi early in the match and accidentally caused the Argentine star to bleed.

According to him, Sergio Ramos immediately warned him not to provoke Messi further because the team’s strategy was to keep the Barcelona forward calm throughout the match.

Cristiano Ronaldo also advised him to stay focused because Real Madrid needed victory to satisfy supporters and maintain pressure in the Spanish title race.

The former left-back said tensions increased after James Rodríguez scored late for Madrid despite the hosts playing with 10 men following Ramos’ red card.

Marcelo admitted he celebrated in front of Messi because he believed the game was already won.

However, the celebration quickly turned into regret when Messi delivered a stunning response in stoppage time.

In the 92nd minute, Messi scored the decisive winner to silence the Bernabéu crowd and hand Barcelona a crucial victory.

Marcelo confessed that the goal changed everything and made Madrid players realize they had motivated the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner instead of stopping him.

The former Brazil international said the unforgettable moment remains one of the biggest lessons of his career, proving that elite footballers like Messi often respond strongly under pressure.

The dramatic El Clásico encounter is still remembered by football fans worldwide as one of the greatest matches in modern football history.