The latest edition of Spain's El Clasico was once again billed as more than a clash between La Liga's two biggest clubs - Barcelona and Real Madrid - this was a face-off between football's two biggest stars – Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. And as Barcelona leapfrogged Real to top La Liga with a last-gasp 3-2 victory, Messi was the winner at the Bernabeu.

Ahead of the match, Los Blancos led their Catalan rivals by three points in the standings with a game in hand. But Barcelona's win thanks to a moment of magic by Messi will see the title race go down to the wire.

Casemiro opened the scoring for the hosts in the 28th minute, tapping home after Sergio Ramos fired one off the post.

The lead lasted just five minutes, though, as Lionel Messi danced past two defenders to fire home his first goal against Madrid in three years.

There was nothing Keylor Navas could do to deny Barca 17 minutes from time when Ivan Rakitic took aim from 25 yards and drilled into the top corner.

The match seemed to have swung decisively in Barca's favour four minutes later when Ramos scythed down Messi to be shown the 22nd red card of his career.

However, even with 10 men, Madrid rallied and levelled when substitute James Rodriguez swept home Marcelo's cross four minutes from time to put the score at 2-2.

But Messi had the final say, meeting Jordi Alba's cross in the final minute of added time - his 500th Barcelona goal snatching a stunning 3-2 win.

The victory for Barca sees them draw level on points with leaders Real in the standings, although Los Blancos have played one game fewer than their rivals.

Earlier, Real Sociedad beat Deportivo Coruna 1-0 at home, and Real Betis replicated that feat in their trip to Celta Vigo. The 10 men of Las Palmas were stumped in their home clash against Alaves and drew 1-1.