El Clasi collaboration: Roberto, Gomes, Alba & Messi against Real Madrid

Barcelona's last gasp clincher against Real Madrid on Sunday night had a lesson for organisations - grit, precision and above all, teamwork. Here is what we learnt once the goosebumps settled.

Sergi Roberto

Never give up


Real Madrid's Toni Kroos, left and Barcelona's Sergi Roberto fight for the ball during the match between Real Madrid and Barcelona. (Image: AP)

With just about 30 seconds left to go Barcelona's Sergi Roberto picked up the ball at Real's end and set off on a lung-burning 50-yard run to set the foundation for the goal. It was a reminder that it isn't over till it's over, and till then you have to keep trying.

Andre Gomes

This too shall pass


FC Barcelona's Andre Gomes, right, duels for the ball against Real Sociedad's Asier Illarramendi. (Image: AP)

Coming into this game, Gomes's morale was low. Barca fans jeered him. And reportedly, Lionel Messi wanted him out. But when Roberto passed him the ball, he had the calm to wait for the precise moment to feed Jordi Alba. He will need more to secure Messi's trust, but going by the hug the two shared after the goal, he has redeemed himself for now.

Jordi Alba

Peripheral vision


Real Madrid's defender Dani Carvajal (L) vies with Barcelona's defender Jordi Alba during the Spanish league Clasico match. (Image: AFP)

Once Alba sprinted to be in position to receive Gomes's pass, he did not waste a second in cutting the ball back for Messi to fire. He could do it because he knew, even when running at frenetic pace, where Messi was lurking.

Messi

Accuracy


Barcelona's Lionel Messi is tackled by Real Madrid's Mateo Kovacic during the match. (Image: AP)

There wasn't much space available for Messi to shoot. He had to squeeze the ball through the relatively narrow gap offered by a Real defender and the goalkeeper. The pinpoint finish that followed was a sign of Messi's self-belief and precision.