WATCH : Lionel Messi once again scores at the Santiago Bernabeu!

Has Lionel Messi just wrapped up the race for La Liga??

Real Madrid and Barcelona face off against for the first time in the league today, as the two footballing giants compete against each other for domestic supremacy.

Barcelona have already racked up the points this season, as the Catalan giants already have a 11 point lead over their Clasico rivals.

Real on the other hand need to really their act together, if they wish to defend their league title.

Of course, when you talk about these two teams you invariably mention their respective footballing icons.

Ronaldo and Messi have etched their name in footballing folklore over the last decade, as these two legends of the game have pushed each other to newer heights.

This match was no different,  as you could feel the anticipation in the air.

Real Madrid had an early chance to get take the lead, but Ronaldo shockingly missed an open goal!

But while Ronaldo came close, Suarez did not miss his chance as he was wonderfully set up by Sergi Roberto!

With Real Madrid stretched, Barcelona launched another counter attack which resulted in a penalty.

Carvajal handled the ball and was sent off, as Messi scored from the resulting penalty!

https://twitter.com/MHChehade/status/944558933846429696

Lionel Messi against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu:

Played: 19
Goals: 15
Assists: 8
Hat-tricks: 1 pic.twitter.com/QY4tLv8inW

— Mootaz Chehade (@MHChehade) December 23, 2017