The defining image of the previous “Clasico’’ in the league last April was the sight of Lionel Messi defiantly showing the back of his shirt to the baying Real Madrid crowd.
Ronaldo-MessiThis was after burying the winning goal to settle a thrilling contest 3-2 for FC Barcelona.
The goal, also the Argentine’s 500th strike for his club, proved futile in Barca’s pursuit of Madrid.
Real Madrid still won a first La Liga crown in five years, but the incident has had a surprising knock on effect on the current campaign.
Cristiano Ronaldo, locked in a compelling battle with Messi for the title of being the best player in the world, replicated Messi’s celebration four months.
That was when he scored for Real against Barca in the Nou Camp in the Spanish Super Cup, but his actions had unintended consequences.
Ronaldo incurred an automatic booking for removing his shirt to celebrate the goal in Real’s 3-1 win.
Two minutes later he was sent off for a second yellow card, this time for diving.
Ronaldo trailing in Messi’s wake after mimicking celebration
