4 takeaways from Barcelona's wild win over Real Madrid

It was a Clasico for the ages.

Sunday's match was dripping with drama, as Real Madrid and Barcelona reminded football fans why El Clasico is appointment viewing.

Fearless attacking, tremendous goalkeeping, a customary red card, and a potentially title-deciding goal during injury time ticked all the boxes that the majority of neutral fans hope to see ahead of the most anticipated match on the domestic football calendar.

Here's four takeaways from Sunday's thrilling derby in Madrid:

Messi to the rescue

Real Madrid was on the verge of closing in on its first La Liga title since 2012 until a familiar foe spoiled the celebrations at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The home support was bouncing after James Rodriguez cancelled out Ivan Rakitic's stunning go-ahead goal in the 86th minute, as Real looked destined to come away from the encounter with a valuable point to maintain its lead over Barca in the table.

Lionel Messi had other plans.

With just seconds remaining, Sergi Roberto produced a tremendous run from his own half that saw six Barca players charge into the host's end with just three Real Madrid defenders to beat. After laying the ball off, Jordi Alba cut the ball to the top of the box for Messi, who curled his shot past a helpless Keylor Navas for his 500th goal in the Blaugrana strip.

It proved to be the last kick of the match, as Barcelona leapfrogged Real in the table with just five matches remaining - although Los Blancos do have a game in hand on their eternal rivals.

Navas vs. Ter Stegen

Keylor Navas and Marc Andre Ter Stegen put on a goalkeeping clinic in a Clasico match that wasn't short on scoring opportunities, as the two 'keepers produced dominant displays to give their respective teams a shot at coming away with three points.

The German shot-stopper was called into action early and often, as Real Madrid enjoyed the majority of chances on goal during the first half, peppering the Barca net several times before finally finding a breakthrough when Ter Stegan could only push his save into Casemiro's path.

His highlight of the match came against Karim Benzema when he miraculously turned the French forward's point-blank strike away with an instinctive kick save.

Navas made several acrobatic stops, as well, with his most impressive coming off a Luis Suarez effort from just a few yards away that the Costa Rican, somehow, managed to steer wide of goal.

Ramos edges Casemiro for daft tackle of the day

Everyone with functional eyes knew Real Madrid was flirting with a red card. Few, however, could have predicted Sergio Ramos would be sent off after Casemiro's dangerous tactics in the opening 45 minutes.

Tasked with marking Messi, the Brazilian delivered a trio of challenges worthy of a booking that brought the match to a halt while the Argentine writhed in pain. He escaped with a yellow before exiting the tie in the 70th minute.

Ramos picked up where Casemiro left off when he lunged at Messi with a studs up tackle, prompting the match official to produce a straight red with 13 minutes remaining.

Isco deserved start over Bale

The case against Zinedine Zidane's decision to give Gareth Bale the start over Isco was strong well before the Welsh star hobbled off the pitch in the first half.

Despite Isco's influential play of late, the Spanish midfielder was relegated to the bench. Instead, Bale found himself in the starting XI after seemingly overcoming an ankle problem. Yet, his return was short-lived as he appeared to aggravate the injury, forcing him off just 39 minutes into the game.

Isco, however, remained a spectator as Marco Asensio got the nod to replace the injured Welshman.

Perhaps a look at Real Madrid's record when Isco features this season will help convince Zidane to give the gifted midfielder increased playing time moving forward.

"Not at all," Zidane told reporters when asked if he regretted starting Bale, according to the Independent's Ed Malyon. He played well and he was excited to play. I’m disappointed for him."

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)