Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez (R) and Javier Mascherano (L) fight for the ball with Real Madrid's Mesut Ozil during their Champions League semi-final first leg soccer match at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, April 27, 2011. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

FC Barcelona took a giant stride towards a second UEFA Champions League final in three seasons after Lionel Messi struck twice in the final 15 minutes, the second a memorable solo strike, to earn victory at ten-man Real Madrid CF.

The goals came after Real's Pepe was dismissed in the 61st minute and boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands soon after for his protestations.

That seemed to turn the tide in Barca's favour and they went ahead when Messi turned in Ibrahim Afellay's cross.

Messi then added a fabulous second when he ran 30 yards before slotting in.

Barca also had a man sent off, substitute goalkeeper Jose Pinto, following an unsavoury scuffle as the teams headed down the tunnel at half-time, while Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands for his sarcastic protestations in the aftermath of Pepe's dismissal.

That a game billed as a meeting of two of Europe's most exciting sides soon descended into an ugly pitch battle was regrettable but, given the frequency with which the two teams have met over the past week, hardly surprising.

Victory for Barca was their first in this four-match mini-series of Clasicos, going some way to avenge Real's win in the Copa del Rey final after the first meeting ended in a draw in La Liga.