Barcelona against Real Madrid

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Abidal on for Puyol.

I'm quite upset that we won't hear from Mourinho after the game. I think he might mention the disallowed goal at the start of the second half.

Xavi eyes up the free-kick from 30 yards but it's Messi who drills it straight at Casillas.

Alonso with another late tackle, followed swiftly by Carvalho. Both have been fortunate to avoid second yellows in this game.

Adebayor back in the left-back position trying to start an attack.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0503/pedrodavidvillaceleb20110503_275x155.jpg"><br> Pedro's goal dealt a decisive blow to Real's chances on 54 minutes.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Adebayor booked for what is probably his fourth or fifth late challenge. This time on Messi.

Just prior to that there was a lovely touch from Ronaldo to release Arbeloa but then the Portuguese and Adebayor got in each other's way.

Diarra takes down Mascherano and again gets his foot on the ball. Mascherano down like a sack of spuds but he seems fine now. Funny that.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Pedro in the ref's book for a late lunge on Diarra

Abidal gets a very warm reception from the Barca fans as he warms up. This is the first time he's been involved since surgery on a liver tumour earlier this year.

Pique looking in some pain - I think it's his wrist or forearm. He will just have to get Shakira to kiss it better. It's a hard life for these players.

Ronaldo saracastically applauds after not getting what he felt was a free-kick after a challenge from Mascherano.

Arbeloa tries to pick out Ronaldo but Pique gets an important foot to the ball.

Messi skips past Carvalho and also leaves Marcelo in his wake but Albiol does well to cover.

Alonso urging Casillas to pump the ball forward but his long kick out results in a Barca throw.

Another free-kick and Alonso is late on Messi. He's on a yellow and needs to be careful.

Free-kick for Barca right in the corner.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Marcelo booked - replay shows him get a nick on the ball.

Marcelo dives in on Messi and the wet surface probably makes the slide tackle look worse than it was - the crowd were clamouring for a red.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0503/marceloclasicogoalceleb20110503_275x155.jpg"><br> Marcelo celebrates giving Real a lifeline.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Keita on for Villa.

<i>Stats: He may have set up Real's goal but Angel Di Maria completed just one pass in the first half.</i>

Busquets crosses to Messi but he can't twist his body to direct his header goalwards. Casillas safely holds onto the ball.

Ronaldo pulled back and again the referee fails to blow up. He initially played the advantage as the Portuguese forward ploughed through the middle but there was no advantage to be had and he should have brought play back. Poor.

Arbeloa goes to ground and he could have perhaps won a free-kick there from Mascherano's lunge. Referee shakes his head, not for the first time this evening.

Iniesta and Busquets combine to release Messi but Real stand firm and try to break with Arbeloa.

It probably was a yellow, but considering Adebayor's escapism he can maybe count himself unlucky!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Alonso pulls back Messi.

Inspired analysis from the Manchester United man - he must have his eye on my job.

<i>Tweet from Rio Ferdinand:</i> Madrid showing a bit of fight...makes the finish a little more competitive..

Marcelo and Ronaldo look to box Barca in but Alves, Pique and Xavi play a textbook triangle to get out of danger.

Here come Real again, they've got the bit by the teeth now but can they make the pressure count. Two more goals remains an uphill task, but at least they know they can breach this Barca defence.

<b>Barca 1-1 Real.</b> A lifeline for Real. Di Maria tiptoed inside the box before crashing a shot against the post. He did well to compose himself when the rebound returned to him and passed to Marcelo, who was waiting (why, I don''t know!) on the six-yard box.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Marcelo

He's back up now though.

Iniesta with another delicious ball towards Villa, who looks in some pain after being tackled by Arbeloa.

Xavi delivers but Ronaldo smashes it to safety.

Messi goes to ground and Barca have a free-kick on the right edge of the box - Ronaldo with a little trip on his rival.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ozil on for Kaka.

Adebayor is chasing round like a headless chicken and he's avoided a yellow again after bringing down Mascherano.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0503/messiclosesdowncasillas20110503_275x155.jpg"><br> Messi threatened in the first half, but it's Pedro who has put Barca 3-0 up on aggregate.

I spoke too soon - he's been looking likely to get a yellow for some time. Pedro was his latest victim there.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Diarra.

The referee keeping his cards in his pocket, though.

And here come the fouls. Adebayor barges Busquets to the ground.

The pass from Iniesta was just perfect for that goal. Inspired.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Adebayor on for Higuain.

<b>Barca 1-0 Real.</b> What a pass from Iniesta - he carved the Real defence open with a beautiful ball and Pedro took an excellent first touch before firing left-footed past Casillas.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Pedro puts the tie beyond doubt, surely.

Kaka stretches for it but it's all the way through for a goal-kick. This is the Brazilian's first Champions League start this season.

Puyol gets in a mix up with Iniesta and Higuain tries his luck from distance. Deflected out for a corner.

For all their increased danger, Real are still yet to have a shot on goal.

<i>Stats: All five Clasicos this season have been locked at 0-0 at half-time. </i>

Real looking bright at the start of the second period, particularly Ronaldo.

Ronaldo with a great through-ball towards Higuain and Di Maria but Puyol does fantastically to intercept.

The start of the second-half was delayed because of an on-pitch intruder. He was cleaned out by a steward though, while Ronaldo looked on bemused.

Headed clear by Carvalho.

Barca corner now - but Real must be irate after that decision.

Poor decision that by the ref - Ronaldo seemed to be fouled himself by Pique and then fall into Mascherano, for which the ref harshly penalised him. The ball broke to Higuain and he finished with aplomb but the whistle had already gone.

Higuain has put the ball in the net - but it's disallowed because of an apparent foul by Ronaldo in the build up.

No substitutions as yet for either side. Diarra conceded an Early foul for a late tackle on Iniesta.

And we're off for the second half...

Barca are keeping everybody waiting, but here they come to rapturous applause.

Real are returning to the pitch - I know this because the boos and jeers echoing around Camp Nou are rather loud.

<i>Stats: Not a great omen for Real, but six of Barca?s last nine goals in Champions League semi-finals have come in the last 15 minutes of their matches. </i>

The winner of this game will likely face MAnchester United in the final at Wembley on May 28. But the other semi-final isn't over just yet. <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview/_/id/315490?cc=5739" target="_blank">Tom Adams has kindly previewed Schalke's visit to Old Trafford for us.</a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0503/carlespuyolgonzalohiguainbattle20110503_275x155.jpg"><br> Gonzalo Higuain has not seen much of the ball in the first half.

And for the members of the Twitterati out there, @ESPNSoccernet will help fulfil all your Twitter-related needs.

Remember, you can join Chris Murphy for all the live updates and chat on tonight's Clasico now. <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/live/_/id/914888/matchday-live---may-3---champions-league-semi-final" target="_blank">Have your say here.</a>

<b>HALF-TIME: Barca 1-1 Real</b>. So a Mourinho-less Real are technically still in it, but were it not for Casillas their Champions League dream would have been long over. It seems it will only be a matter of time before Barca open the scoring, but should Real sneak a goal things could get interesting.

There goes the half-time whistle...

Terrible delivery, straight to Valdes.

Corner for Real.

One minute of added time to play in the first half and Arbeloa is in an advanced position to pick up Alonso's long pass.

Carvalho is late AGAIN on Messi and he is even luckier than last time to avoid a second yellow. He was nowehere near the ball.

Villa threaded in by Messi but the Spain striker is stood oiffside. Casillas did well to save anyway. Impressive first 45 from the Real captain.

Pedro ruled offside as Alves searched for him with a delicately chipped pass.

After a promising start from Real they appear to have run out of steam a little. They were originally pressing Barca high up the pitch but they have given the home side more and more space as the half has gone on.

Diarra cleans out Messi and somehow avoids a yellow. Arbeloa accidentally Messi with his knee as he went to ground. Ouch.

Ronaldo in acres of space on the right but he plays a poor ball towards Higuain. He could have taken another touch and should have at least found his team-mate rather than the grateful grasp of Valdes.

Xavi to deliver, but Casillas punches clear.

Corner for the Catalans after an Alves break down the right.

Barca just patiently building things up now, every pass is being cheered like a winning goal.

Messi is pulling all the strings now and Real are chasing shadows.

It's been relentless from the Blaugranas - it seems like just a matter of time before Barca score.

Messi shoots again, right-footed this time. Casillas with another very smart stop. It's all Barcelona.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0503/lionelmessicristianoronaldobattle2011503_275x155.jpg"><br> Lionel Messi has stepped up his game in the past five minutes.

Pedro this time with space on the edge of the box, but his shot is wide and over.

Excellent save from Casillas! Messi again the architect after Diarra's mistake. He fed Villa, whose curling shot from the left of the area was palmed away superbly.

He brings the ball down equisitely, takes one touch to get it out of his feet and away from Albiol but then flashes his shot wide of the post. Quality from Messi.

Xavi with a superb through-ball to Pedro, he finds Alves ont he overlap who crosses in turn to Messi.

Decent curling effort from Messi from the edge of the box. Casillas saved and then recovered to reclaim the ball having almost spilled it at Villa's feet.

Di Maria crosses to Ronaldo, who tries an outrageous lay-off with his shoulder. It fails miserably though - it hits his arm and the ref blows for a free-kick.

Barca have eased into the driving seat over the past ten minutes but Kaka now attempting to create something in the final third.

Alonso irate after he's penalised for fouling Mascherano. The Real man feels his former Liverpool team-mate dived.

Carvalho fouls Messi again, it's a very silly challenge on the halfway line when he's already been booked. He probably should have got a second yellow but the ref took a lenient view.

<i>Stats: Real have only won one of their five Champions League semi-final away legs, though it was actually a 2-0 win at Camp Nou in 2002. </i>

Iniesta with a rare poor pass, but Real can't capitalise.

But Messi has possession again and comes storming forward - three Real players surround him and Diarra looks to hook the ball away. But the referee deems it a foul and Barca can begin the passing merry-go-round once more.

Another poor goal-kick from Valdes.

Kaka releases Ronaldo who marches down the left - he puts Mascherano on his backside but runs the ball out of play.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0503/clasicopre-matchstorm20110503_275x155.jpg"><br> A pre-match storm saw rain lash down on the Camp Nou pitch.

Free header for Busquets but he's headed it straight at Casillas. The midfielder should have done much better from there. A real chance.

Messi and Pedro manage to get in each other's way after Marcelo fails to clear. But Messi takes control and wins Barca a corner.

Here comes Messi down the left - he searches for Villa in the middle but Carvalho pokes his pass safely away.

The boos continue as Real try to build an attack - the noise is deafening.

Valdes makes a mess of his clearance and invites Real back on the attack.

Great feet from Iniesta to open up some space, but again Barca can't create an actual goalscoring chance. Just that dragged effort from Iniesta to show so far.

The referee judges it a fair charge and he's got it absolutely right.

Diarra shoulders Messi off the ball to a chorus of boos from the Camp Nou faithful.

Alonso delivers but it's headed out.

Ronaldo blocked off by Dani Alves and Real have a free-kick about 35 yards out.

Higuain through the back of Xavi to concede a free-kick. Maybe that's why he doesn't usually track back.

Alonso with his hands in the air screaming at Ronaldo and Higuain to track back.

Barca take it short from a free-kick as usual, but they can't engineer a shooting opportunity.

Good decision by the ref, Carvalho had been well beaten by the two-time World Player of the Year.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Carvalho brings down Messi in full flight

Pedro tries to burst past Marcelo but the Brazilian shows good strength to shepherd out the winger.

Ronaldo tries to conjure something on the left-wing (Di Maria is iperating down the right at the moment) but Xavi blocks his path and fairly has the ball at his own feet.

Pedro down under a tackle from Albiol in the centre circle.

<i>Stats: Only one club has ever come back from losing the first leg of a Champions League semi-final at home - Ajax beat Panathinaikos 3-0 in 1996 having lost 1-0 in Amsterdam. </i>

Mascherano this time clears it long under close pressure from Higuain and Di Maria.

Shot from iniesta from 18 yards is dragged wide of the right post.

Diarra with a firm challenge on Iniesta and Barca have a free-kick in midfield.

Puyol smashes it it out of defence and Real back on the attack - uncharacteristically hoofed by the Barca captain.

Marcelo dispossessed as he hugged the left touchline but Ronaldo has it back - he's looked like a man on a one man mission so far.

Decent start this by Real, certainly showing more intent than they did last week.

The referee gives a free-kick and nothing more.

Ronaldo on the run and Busquets has just been clattered by Kaka with a late challenge.

Marcelo with a positive run forward after getting half a yard on Pique but he can't get a cross in from the left.

And here we go again, Barca keeping possession between Puyol and Pique.

Early free-kick for Barca after Marcelo climbs over Pedro.

We're off...

The players just swapping ends after the toss - this one is being beamed live to 224 countries and we're just about ready.

I'm sure fans of both Schalke and Manchester United will be hoping that this one turns into a bloodbath. Both of those sides would surely welcome suspensions for the final!

The players are just emerging from the tunnel, alongside referee Frank de Bleeckere. He must be pleased to see no Mourinho on the touchline. I wonder if he will be watching for any Busquets peeking-through-fingers antics tonight!

For the neutral, an early Real goal is essential really if we are to see the tie have any level of competivity. An early Barca goal and you feel it could descend into a rather ugly affair.

Ten minutes to go and the anticipation is building - though not too much among the Real fans. Los Blancos are thought to have sent back around 3,000 tickets.

<i>Stats: Barca have managed just one goal in total in their past five Champions League semi-final encounters at Camp Nou.</i>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0502/josemourinhoearscratch20110430_275x155.jpg"><br>Jose Mourinho will not be at Camp Nou this evening - but how will his absence affect Real?

Running alongside our live commentary is MatchDay LIVE - <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/live/_/id/914888/matchday-live---may-3---champions-league-semi-final" target="_blank">join Chris Murphy for all the updates and chat.</a> Have your say on the final instalment of El Clasico this season.

There have been 30 yellow cards and five reds in the past four clasicos. It's pouring down at the moment at Camp Nou and we can expect a stormy night both on and off the pitch.

Jose Mourinho was nowhere to be seen as Real arrived at Camp Nou. Apparently he's watching the game from a hotel because of security fears.

Mascherano continues at centre-back for Barca, with Puyol left-back. Iniesta steps back into the side after injury in place of Seydou Keita.

Team news is in and it appears Jose Mourinho has opted for a more gung-ho approach. The attacking quartet of Di Maria, Kaka, Ronaldo and Higuain is a bold step from the Real boss.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0427/lionelmessiscoressecondvreal20110427_275x155.jpg"><br> Lionel Messi's two goals gave Barca victory in the first leg and former Argentina star <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/914771/ossie-ardiles-hails-barcelona%27s-lionel-messi-as-best-ever-player?cc=5739" target="_blank"> Ossie Ardiles has today said that his compatriot is the best player of all time</a>.

There's been plenty of vitriol going back and forth since Barca's 2-0 win at the Bernabeu last week. From <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/914627/real-madrid-accuse-barcelona-midfielder-sergio-busquets-of-racism?cc=5901" target="_blank">Real accusing Busquets of racism,</a> <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/914597/ottmar-hitzfeld-blasts-%27shameful%27-real-madrid-boss-jose-mourinho?cc=5901" target="_blank">to Ottmar Hitzfeld slamming Jose Mourinho</a>.

Join us from 1945 BST for live text commentary of the Champions League semi-final second leg between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou. Jose Mourinho described advancing to the final as "mission impossible" after last week's defeat, can Real produce a miracle?

Messi skips past Carvalho and also leaves Marcelo in his wake but Albiol does well to cover.

Alonso urging Casillas to pump the ball forward but his long kick out results in a Barca throw.

Another free-kick and Alonso is late on Messi. He's on a yellow and needs to be careful.

Free-kick for Barca right in the corner.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Marcelo booked - replay shows him get a nick on the ball.

Marcelo dives in on Messi and the wet surface probably makes the slide tackle look worse than it was - the crowd were clamouring for a red.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0503/marceloclasicogoalceleb20110503_275x155.jpg"><br> Marcelo celebrates giving Real a lifeline.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Keita on for Villa.

<i>Stats: He may have set up Real's goal but Angel Di Maria completed just one pass in the first half.</i>

Busquets crosses to Messi but he can't twist his body to direct his header goalwards. Casillas safely holds onto the ball.

Ronaldo pulled back and again the referee fails to blow up. He initially played the advantage as the Portuguese forward ploughed through the middle but there was no advantage to be had and he should have brought play back. Poor.

Arbeloa goes to ground and he could have perhaps won a free-kick there from Mascherano's lunge. Referee shakes his head, not for the first time this evening.

Iniesta and Busquets combine to release Messi but Real stand firm and try to break with Arbeloa.

It probably was a yellow, but considering Adebayor's escapism he can maybe count himself unlucky!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Alonso pulls back Messi.

Inspired analysis from the Manchester United man - he must have his eye on my job.

<i>Tweet from Rio Ferdinand:</i> Madrid showing a bit of fight...makes the finish a little more competitive..

Marcelo and Ronaldo look to box Barca in but Alves, Pique and Xavi play a textbook triangle to get out of danger.

Here come Real again, they've got the bit by the teeth now but can they make the pressure count. Two more goals remains an uphill task, but at least they know they can breach this Barca defence.

<b>Barca 1-1 Real.</b> A lifeline for Real. Di Maria tiptoed inside the box before crashing a shot against the post. He did well to compose himself when the rebound returned to him and passed to Marcelo, who was waiting (why, I don''t know!) on the six-yard box.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Marcelo

He's back up now though.

Iniesta with another delicious ball towards Villa, who looks in some pain after being tackled by Arbeloa.

Xavi delivers but Ronaldo smashes it to safety.

Messi goes to ground and Barca have a free-kick on the right edge of the box - Ronaldo with a little trip on his rival.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ozil on for Kaka.

Adebayor is chasing round like a headless chicken and he's avoided a yellow again after bringing down Mascherano.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0503/messiclosesdowncasillas20110503_275x155.jpg"><br> Messi threatened in the first half, but it's Pedro who has put Barca 3-0 up on aggregate.

I spoke too soon - he's been looking likely to get a yellow for some time. Pedro was his latest victim there.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Diarra.

The referee keeping his cards in his pocket, though.

And here come the fouls. Adebayor barges Busquets to the ground.

The pass from Iniesta was just perfect for that goal. Inspired.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Adebayor on for Higuain.

<b>Barca 1-0 Real.</b> What a pass from Iniesta - he carved the Real defence open with a beautiful ball and Pedro took an excellent first touch before firing left-footed past Casillas.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Pedro puts the tie beyond doubt, surely.

Kaka stretches for it but it's all the way through for a goal-kick. This is the Brazilian's first Champions League start this season.

Puyol gets in a mix up with Iniesta and Higuain tries his luck from distance. Deflected out for a corner.

For all their increased danger, Real are still yet to have a shot on goal.

<i>Stats: All five Clasicos this season have been locked at 0-0 at half-time. </i>

Real looking bright at the start of the second period, particularly Ronaldo.

Ronaldo with a great through-ball towards Higuain and Di Maria but Puyol does fantastically to intercept.

The start of the second-half was delayed because of an on-pitch intruder. He was cleaned out by a steward though, while Ronaldo looked on bemused.

Headed clear by Carvalho.

Barca corner now - but Real must be irate after that decision.

Poor decision that by the ref - Ronaldo seemed to be fouled himself by Pique and then fall into Mascherano, for which the ref harshly penalised him. The ball broke to Higuain and he finished with aplomb but the whistle had already gone.

Higuain has put the ball in the net - but it's disallowed because of an apparent foul by Ronaldo in the build up.

No substitutions as yet for either side. Diarra conceded an Early foul for a late tackle on Iniesta.

And we're off for the second half...

Barca are keeping everybody waiting, but here they come to rapturous applause.

Real are returning to the pitch - I know this because the boos and jeers echoing around Camp Nou are rather loud.

<i>Stats: Not a great omen for Real, but six of Barca?s last nine goals in Champions League semi-finals have come in the last 15 minutes of their matches. </i>

The winner of this game will likely face MAnchester United in the final at Wembley on May 28. But the other semi-final isn't over just yet. <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview/_/id/315490?cc=5739" target="_blank">Tom Adams has kindly previewed Schalke's visit to Old Trafford for us.</a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0503/carlespuyolgonzalohiguainbattle20110503_275x155.jpg"><br> Gonzalo Higuain has not seen much of the ball in the first half.

And for the members of the Twitterati out there, @ESPNSoccernet will help fulfil all your Twitter-related needs.

Remember, you can join Chris Murphy for all the live updates and chat on tonight's Clasico now. <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/live/_/id/914888/matchday-live---may-3---champions-league-semi-final" target="_blank">Have your say here.</a>

<b>HALF-TIME: Barca 1-1 Real</b>. So a Mourinho-less Real are technically still in it, but were it not for Casillas their Champions League dream would have been long over. It seems it will only be a matter of time before Barca open the scoring, but should Real sneak a goal things could get interesting.

There goes the half-time whistle...

Terrible delivery, straight to Valdes.

Corner for Real.

One minute of added time to play in the first half and Arbeloa is in an advanced position to pick up Alonso's long pass.

Carvalho is late AGAIN on Messi and he is even luckier than last time to avoid a second yellow. He was nowehere near the ball.

Villa threaded in by Messi but the Spain striker is stood oiffside. Casillas did well to save anyway. Impressive first 45 from the Real captain.

Pedro ruled offside as Alves searched for him with a delicately chipped pass.

After a promising start from Real they appear to have run out of steam a little. They were originally pressing Barca high up the pitch but they have given the home side more and more space as the half has gone on.

Diarra cleans out Messi and somehow avoids a yellow. Arbeloa accidentally Messi with his knee as he went to ground. Ouch.

Ronaldo in acres of space on the right but he plays a poor ball towards Higuain. He could have taken another touch and should have at least found his team-mate rather than the grateful grasp of Valdes.

Xavi to deliver, but Casillas punches clear.

Corner for the Catalans after an Alves break down the right.

Barca just patiently building things up now, every pass is being cheered like a winning goal.

Messi is pulling all the strings now and Real are chasing shadows.

It's been relentless from the Blaugranas - it seems like just a matter of time before Barca score.

Messi shoots again, right-footed this time. Casillas with another very smart stop. It's all Barcelona.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0503/lionelmessicristianoronaldobattle2011503_275x155.jpg"><br> Lionel Messi has stepped up his game in the past five minutes.

Pedro this time with space on the edge of the box, but his shot is wide and over.

Excellent save from Casillas! Messi again the architect after Diarra's mistake. He fed Villa, whose curling shot from the left of the area was palmed away superbly.

He brings the ball down equisitely, takes one touch to get it out of his feet and away from Albiol but then flashes his shot wide of the post. Quality from Messi.

Xavi with a superb through-ball to Pedro, he finds Alves ont he overlap who crosses in turn to Messi.

Decent curling effort from Messi from the edge of the box. Casillas saved and then recovered to reclaim the ball having almost spilled it at Villa's feet.

Di Maria crosses to Ronaldo, who tries an outrageous lay-off with his shoulder. It fails miserably though - it hits his arm and the ref blows for a free-kick.

Barca have eased into the driving seat over the past ten minutes but Kaka now attempting to create something in the final third.

Alonso irate after he's penalised for fouling Mascherano. The Real man feels his former Liverpool team-mate dived.

Carvalho fouls Messi again, it's a very silly challenge on the halfway line when he's already been booked. He probably should have got a second yellow but the ref took a lenient view.

<i>Stats: Real have only won one of their five Champions League semi-final away legs, though it was actually a 2-0 win at Camp Nou in 2002. </i>

Iniesta with a rare poor pass, but Real can't capitalise.

But Messi has possession again and comes storming forward - three Real players surround him and Diarra looks to hook the ball away. But the referee deems it a foul and Barca can begin the passing merry-go-round once more.

Another poor goal-kick from Valdes.

Kaka releases Ronaldo who marches down the left - he puts Mascherano on his backside but runs the ball out of play.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0503/clasicopre-matchstorm20110503_275x155.jpg"><br> A pre-match storm saw rain lash down on the Camp Nou pitch.

Free header for Busquets but he's headed it straight at Casillas. The midfielder should have done much better from there. A real chance.

Messi and Pedro manage to get in each other's way after Marcelo fails to clear. But Messi takes control and wins Barca a corner.

Here comes Messi down the left - he searches for Villa in the middle but Carvalho pokes his pass safely away.

The boos continue as Real try to build an attack - the noise is deafening.

Valdes makes a mess of his clearance and invites Real back on the attack.

Great feet from Iniesta to open up some space, but again Barca can't create an actual goalscoring chance. Just that dragged effort from Iniesta to show so far.

The referee judges it a fair charge and he's got it absolutely right.

Diarra shoulders Messi off the ball to a chorus of boos from the Camp Nou faithful.

Alonso delivers but it's headed out.

Ronaldo blocked off by Dani Alves and Real have a free-kick about 35 yards out.

Higuain through the back of Xavi to concede a free-kick. Maybe that's why he doesn't usually track back.

Alonso with his hands in the air screaming at Ronaldo and Higuain to track back.

Barca take it short from a free-kick as usual, but they can't engineer a shooting opportunity.

Good decision by the ref, Carvalho had been well beaten by the two-time World Player of the Year.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Carvalho brings down Messi in full flight

Pedro tries to burst past Marcelo but the Brazilian shows good strength to shepherd out the winger.

Ronaldo tries to conjure something on the left-wing (Di Maria is iperating down the right at the moment) but Xavi blocks his path and fairly has the ball at his own feet.

Pedro down under a tackle from Albiol in the centre circle.

<i>Stats: Only one club has ever come back from losing the first leg of a Champions League semi-final at home - Ajax beat Panathinaikos 3-0 in 1996 having lost 1-0 in Amsterdam. </i>

Mascherano this time clears it long under close pressure from Higuain and Di Maria.

Shot from iniesta from 18 yards is dragged wide of the right post.

Diarra with a firm challenge on Iniesta and Barca have a free-kick in midfield.

Puyol smashes it it out of defence and Real back on the attack - uncharacteristically hoofed by the Barca captain.

Marcelo dispossessed as he hugged the left touchline but Ronaldo has it back - he's looked like a man on a one man mission so far.

Decent start this by Real, certainly showing more intent than they did last week.

The referee gives a free-kick and nothing more.

Ronaldo on the run and Busquets has just been clattered by Kaka with a late challenge.

Marcelo with a positive run forward after getting half a yard on Pique but he can't get a cross in from the left.

And here we go again, Barca keeping possession between Puyol and Pique.

Early free-kick for Barca after Marcelo climbs over Pedro.

We're off...

The players just swapping ends after the toss - this one is being beamed live to 224 countries and we're just about ready.

I'm sure fans of both Schalke and Manchester United will be hoping that this one turns into a bloodbath. Both of those sides would surely welcome suspensions for the final!

The players are just emerging from the tunnel, alongside referee Frank de Bleeckere. He must be pleased to see no Mourinho on the touchline. I wonder if he will be watching for any Busquets peeking-through-fingers antics tonight!

For the neutral, an early Real goal is essential really if we are to see the tie have any level of competivity. An early Barca goal and you feel it could descend into a rather ugly affair.

Ten minutes to go and the anticipation is building - though not too much among the Real fans. Los Blancos are thought to have sent back around 3,000 tickets.

<i>Stats: Barca have managed just one goal in total in their past five Champions League semi-final encounters at Camp Nou.</i>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0502/josemourinhoearscratch20110430_275x155.jpg"><br>Jose Mourinho will not be at Camp Nou this evening - but how will his absence affect Real?

Running alongside our live commentary is MatchDay LIVE - <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/live/_/id/914888/matchday-live---may-3---champions-league-semi-final" target="_blank">join Chris Murphy for all the updates and chat.</a> Have your say on the final instalment of El Clasico this season.

There have been 30 yellow cards and five reds in the past four clasicos. It's pouring down at the moment at Camp Nou and we can expect a stormy night both on and off the pitch.

Jose Mourinho was nowhere to be seen as Real arrived at Camp Nou. Apparently he's watching the game from a hotel because of security fears.

Mascherano continues at centre-back for Barca, with Puyol left-back. Iniesta steps back into the side after injury in place of Seydou Keita.

Team news is in and it appears Jose Mourinho has opted for a more gung-ho approach. The attacking quartet of Di Maria, Kaka, Ronaldo and Higuain is a bold step from the Real boss.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0427/lionelmessiscoressecondvreal20110427_275x155.jpg"><br> Lionel Messi's two goals gave Barca victory in the first leg and former Argentina star <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/914771/ossie-ardiles-hails-barcelona%27s-lionel-messi-as-best-ever-player?cc=5739" target="_blank"> Ossie Ardiles has today said that his compatriot is the best player of all time</a>.

There's been plenty of vitriol going back and forth since Barca's 2-0 win at the Bernabeu last week. From <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/914627/real-madrid-accuse-barcelona-midfielder-sergio-busquets-of-racism?cc=5901" target="_blank">Real accusing Busquets of racism,</a> <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/914597/ottmar-hitzfeld-blasts-%27shameful%27-real-madrid-boss-jose-mourinho?cc=5901" target="_blank">to Ottmar Hitzfeld slamming Jose Mourinho</a>.

Join us from 1945 BST for live text commentary of the Champions League semi-final second leg between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou. Jose Mourinho described advancing to the final as "mission impossible" after last week's defeat, can Real produce a miracle?