Essien keeps Messi in check in El Clasico stalemate

Published on: 31 January 2013

By Akyereko Frimpong Manson

Ghana star midfielder Michael Essien was top of the match for Real Madrid as they played a pulsating one-all stalemate with Barcelona in the Coppa del Rey on Wednesday night. 

The Chelsea loanee, 30, was assigned to right-back by Jose Mourinho at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu and he hugely impressed.

Essien policed Madrid's right-back and put up a man of the match display keeping world footballer of the year Lionel Messi in close check.

On the 16th minute, Messi succeeded in breaching the Madrid central defence and was on his way to scoring the opener for Barcelona when Essien popped up to overpower him and rescue Madrid.

He also put Cristiano Ronaldo through on two occasions with incisive crosses but the Portuguese man failed to convert the chances.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more