Lionel Messi struck twice late on as Barcelona took a huge step towards the Champions League final with a 2-0 semi-final, first leg win over 10-man Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Messi, taking his tally to 52 in all competitions this season, netted in the 76th and 87th minutes - the second a typically brilliant solo effort - to settle an ill-tempered clash which saw Madrid defender Pepe sent off in the 61st minute.
That incident also saw Madrid coach Jose Mourinho - who on Tuesday sparked a war of words with counterpart Pep Guardiola - sent to the stands, while Barca reserve goalkeeper Jose Pinto was also shown a red card following an incident at half-time.
However, the end result means Barca, European champions in 2006 and 2009, are now firm favourites to progress to next month's final at Wembley.
