Sergio Ramos has insisted that he didn't mean to catch Lionel Messi in Saturday's fiery El Clasico.
Barcelona recorded another victory over Real Madrid following midweeks Copa del Rey win, but the main talking point was a incident between Ramos and Messi.
Just before the break, Ramos appeared to elbow Messi straight in the face.
' :rage: '
Tempers flare just before half-time...
Will Ramos regret angering Messi? :eyes:
Barcelona lead Real Madrid 1-0 at the break!#ElClasico pic.twitter.com/Fp5OVzVAFF
- Eleven Sports (@ElevenSports_UK) March 2, 2019
The Barcelona skipper was left clutching his face, before angrily squaring up to the Real Madrid captain.


After suffering yet another loss to their arch rivals, Ramos spoke about the event.
"No! But it is true that the other day, despite dominating the tie, here just as in the Camp Nou, that football is all about scoring goals and we did not have it," he said when asked if it was a nightmare to play against Barcelona.
:microphone2::speech_balloon: Listen to the captain's thoughts after tonight's #RMClasico defeat. #RMLiga pic.twitter.com/xosnhSP6yl
- Real Madrid C.F. :flag_gb::flag_us: (@realmadriden) March 2, 2019
"We had a good opportunity in the league game and now we just have to congratulate them. It was not sufficient to just play well.
"These things happen. I didn't mean to catch him but he has taken it badly, and stayed down on the pitch," he added regarding his bust-up with Messi.
Messi had the last laugh. His side secured their 18th La Liga victory of the season, stretching their gap over Real Madrid to a massive 12 points.
Ramos got his comeuppance later in the match when Clement Lenglet and Marc-André ter Stegen both clattered the Spanish defender after his involvement with the Argentine.
Did Ramos purposely strike Messi? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.
Topics: Football News, Sergio Ramos, Clément Lenglet, Football, El Clasico, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Copa del Rey, Real Madrid, La Liga
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