Monday, March 24, 2014

Stamps honour 10 greats born in 1914

Stamps to honour 10 famous people born in 1914

Sir Alec Guinness Royal Mail says the collection, featuring Sir Alec Guinness, creates a "great sense of history"

Actor Sir Alec Guinness and poet Dylan Thomas are among 10 "remarkable" people to feature on a new set of stamps.

Royal Mail said the collection was a nod to the achievements of those featured, all of whom would have turned 100 this year.

Each first class stamp includes a portrait of the individual, their name, when they were born and died, and what they contributed to British society.

The 10 different stamps go on sale on Tuesday.

Andrew Hammond, Royal Mail's director of stamps and collectibles, said: "The Remarkable Lives stamp issue creates a great sense of history, and captures both the achievement and endeavour of these exceptional people."

Others featured in the collection are actor Kenneth More, footballer and manager Joe Mercer, economist Barbara Ward, special operations executive agent Noor Inayat Khan, Nobel laureate Max Perutz, broadcaster Roy Plomley, writer Joan Littlewood and graphic designer Abram Games.

Sir Alec Guinness (1914 - 2000)

The actor began his career in theatre, but found fame around the world with his film work including Ealing comedies such as The Lavender Hill Mob, The Ladykillers and Kind Hearts and Coronets - in which he played eight roles.

Stamps The collection is a recognition of the achievements of those featured and their contribution to British society
Dylan Thomas (1914 - 1953)

The Welsh poet is considered by many as the finest writer to have come from Wales. His most celebrated works include Under Milk Wood, Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night, Fern Hill and A Child's Christmas In Wales.

Joe Mercer (1914 - 1990)

Joe Mercer is the former Everton and Arsenal footballer. He was nicknamed the Footballing Grocer because he ran a grocery business in north-west England and commuted south for matches when he captained the Gunners to two league titles. He later became the England caretaker manager who took over from World Cup winner Sir Alf Ramsey.

Abram Games (1914 - 1996)
Kenneth More The stamps - on one of which actor Kenneth More appears - will be available from Tuesday

The graphic designer was considered one of the greatest poster artists of the 20th Century. He produced advertising images for oil companies and building societies, as well as propaganda posters for the government during World War Two.

Joan Littlewood (1914 - 2002)

The theatre director was described as a subversive genius who broke the mould of British drama. Her pioneering Theatre Workshop was set up as a forum for the people in defiance of establishment-supported theatre. Among her greatest works was Oh What a Lovely War.

Roy Plomley (1914 - 1985)

The broadcaster created the BBC radio series Desert Island Discs and presented the programme from 1942 to 1985. It is said he was wearing his pyjamas on a cold November night in 1941 when he came up with the question: "If you were wrecked on a desert island, which gramophone records would you like to have with you?"

Max Perutz (1914 - 2002)

The Austrian-born scientist won the Nobel prize for chemistry in 1962 for his studies into globular proteins. In the same year, he was made Commander of the British Empire.

Noor Inayat Khan (1914 - 1944)

The British-Indian secret agent, who served during World War Two, was dubbed the "Spy Princess". She was imprisoned, tortured and eventually shot after being sent into occupied France to help the resistance.

Barbara Ward (1914 - 1981)

The economist and writer was an advocate for the needs of developing countries and urged governments to share their wealth with the poor. She founded the International Institute for Environment and Development in 1971.

Kenneth More (1914 - 1982)

The stage and film actor is considered one of the British cinema greats. He was one of the nation's most popular stars throughout the 1950s, appearing in classics such as The 39 Steps and A Night to Remember.


Fathers 'not taking paternity leave'

'Barriers' stop fathers taking paternity leave - report

Father and baby Few fathers take longer than than two weeks statutory paternity leave, a survey suggests

A lack of support from employers is preventing many men from taking paternity leave, a report has found.

A survey of employees and managers found that a quarter of new fathers took no paternity leave at all.

Fewer than one in 10 took more than their two weeks statutory leave.

The research by the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) blamed "ingrained" attitudes among employers, and concerns among new fathers that they could not afford to take leave.

Last year the government announced plans to allow parents to share their maternity and paternity leave - changes are scheduled to come in April 2015.

But the ILM said its research suggested the changes would have little impact if attitudes of employers were not addressed as well.

"The introduction of shared parental leave is a crucial step towards enabling more women to progress into senior roles," said Charles Elvin, ILM chief executive.

"Yet our research revealed cultural barriers are impeding the uptake of both two weeks statutory paternity leave and additional paternity leave."

Pay worries

He said there remained a "cultural expectation" within organisations that women rather than men will be the ones taking extended periods away from the workplace.

The report also said low levels of paternity pay discouraged new fathers, with just 9% surveyed receiving more than two weeks on full pay.

Responding to the report, Frances O'Grady, secretary general of the TUC, the trade union body, said pay was the major concern.

"Many dads simply can't afford to take time off, particularly as employers rarely top up their statutory pay."

Currently, employed fathers are entitled to either one or two weeks' paid paternity leave, though additional leave is also given if the mother returns to work and is not claiming statutory maternity pay.

Government plans involve extending this flexibility, allowing parents of newborns to exchange and share their leave.

"We want the introduction of shared parental leave to drive a real cultural shift and help working dads play a greater role in their child's early months," a government spokesperson said.

"Employers too can gain from a system which allows them to keep talented women in the workforce and have more motivated and productive staff."


Russian UK tourist spending dives

Russian UK tourist spending sees sharp fall in February

Prada sign and security man Russians tourists are among the biggest spenders in UK-based luxury stores

UK hotels and shops saw income from Russians fall 17% in February compared with a year ago as visitor numbers fell back amid political unrest in Ukraine.

It said the unrest exacerbated the effects of a weakening economy, leaving Russians disinclined to travel.

The findings come from tax-free shopping specialists, Global Blue, which processes the vast majority of tax-free spending by overseas visitors.

Russians are among the top five biggest-spending tourists in the UK.

Global Blue, which processes 80% of all tax-free shopping in the UK, said they spend an average of almost £700 per transaction.

Non-EU nationals can shop "tax-free" by claiming back the VAT - worth 20% - on spending above £30 at shops and hotels, basically by filling in a form.

Luxury

The fall in numbers saw Russians slip from the third-biggest spending nation in the country to fourth place, overtaken by Nigerian nationals.

Global Blue says this fall in numbers, if the political and economic uncertainty continues, could have a serious impact on certain shops and hotels, particularly at the luxury end of the market, which is preferred by Russian visitors.

Gordon Clark, UK country manager of Global Blue, said: "The unstable situation in Russia has shown its effect on tourism spend this year as the weakening economy leaves shoppers disinclined to travel."

But he said the UK was still an attractive place for Russian tourists because of the range of luxury brands on offer.

Until the fall-off in February spending had been rising sharply - with an annual increase in spending of 16% in 2013.

It also pointed out that the tourism body, Visit Britain, predicts growth in spending by Russian shoppers of 75% by 2020.

The UK's top five tax-free spending visitors

Rank Nationality % all tax-free UK spending % annual growth Average spend per transaction

Source: Global Blue

1

Middle East

29%

31%

£825

2

China

28%

23%

£683

3

Nigeria

4%

-8%

£628

4

Russia

4%

-17%

£693

5

Hong Kong

3%

23%

£665


Many missing in deadly US landslide

Three killed, 18 missing by landslide in Washington state

A large rescue operation began soon after the landslide struck on Saturday

At least three people have been killed and 18 are missing in a huge landslide in the north-western US state of Washington, officials say.

The landslide injured seven people, destroyed 30 houses and covered a road near the town of Oso, about 90km (55 miles) north of Seattle.

It was at least 41m (135ft) wide and 54m deep, local authorities said.

They say that two people were killed at the scene and one died in hospital. The injured included a six-month-old boy.

'Wall of mud'

An eyewitness told the Daily Herald that he was driving on the road and had to quickly brake to avoid the mudslide.

The hillside that gave way and collapsed near Oso. Photo: 22 March 2014 The authorities say the landslide was caused by recent heavy rain
Rescue work at the site. Photo: 22 March 2014 Dangerous conditions are hampering the rescue effort
A general view of the area affected by the landslide. Photo: 22 March 2014 The thick mud covered an area the size of a square mile

"I just saw the darkness coming across the road. Everything was gone in three seconds,'' Paulo Falcao told the newspaper.

Robin Youngblood, another witness, told the Seattle Times: "All of a sudden thee was a wall of mud. Then it hit and we were rolling. The house was in sticks. We were buried under things, and we dug ourselves out."

Residents reported hearing cries from those trapped, but local fire chief Travis Hots said the dangerous conditions were hampering the rescue effort.

Search-and-rescue help came from across the state, including the Washington State Patrol and the Army Corps of Engineers.

The landslide cut off the city of Darrington and clogged the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River, prompting fears of severe flooding downstream if the build-up of water behind the debris breaks through suddenly.

The authorities say the landslide was caused by recent heavy rain.

More rain is expected in parts of Washington on Sunday, and some people have been advised to move to higher ground.

The area has had problems in the past with unstable land.

Map showing town of Oso in the State of Washington.

India see off West Indies in Mirpur

23 March 2014 Last updated at 17:01

World Twenty20 2014: India see off West Indies in Mirpur

ICC World Twenty20, Mirpur

India 130-3 (19.4 overs) beat West Indies 129-7 (20 overs) by seven wickets

Match scorecard

India made it two comfortable wins out of two at the World Twenty20 with a seven-wicket victory over defending champions West Indies in Mirpur.

West Indies scored a pedestrian 129-7 with Chris Gayle taking 33 balls for 34 and spinner Amit Mishra claiming 2-18.

Shikhar Dhawan fell in the first over of the India reply but Virat Kohli hit five fours and a six in a stylish 54.

He shared 106 inside 14 overs with Rohit Sharma who was unbeaten on 61 as India won with two balls remaining.

It was a mystifying performance from the highly-regarded Windies, on the same surface where earlier in the evening Umar Akmal and Glenn Maxwell had struck 10 sixes between them in Pakistan's 16-run victory against Australia.

The big-hitting opening partnership of Dwayne Smith and Gayle had no answer to some swing from the Indian seamers and 28 of the opening 36 deliveries were dot balls, Bhuvneshwar Kumar moving it in both directions in conceding just three singles from his three overs.

Gayle, dropped on nought in the second over, thumped Mishra's opening delivery for six but looked increasingly frustrated by his rare inability to dominate the bowlers.

The powerful left-hander was spilled again on 19 before he got barely halfway in his attempt of a Marlon Samuels quick single to backward point in the 13th over.

Mishra bowled 13 dot balls out of 24 and although there were three sixes as 21 came off the final over, the total was never likely to test the powerhouse Indian batting line-up.

There was some confusion over whether the target was 130 or 131 which caused a lengthy delay to the Indian reply and may have affected Dhawan, who was lbw for a duck.

But it was of little relevance as Kohli immediately found his fluency in a nonchalant fifty partnership from 33 balls with Sharma.

Kohli reached his fifth T20 half century from 34 balls, while Rohit recorded his sixth, and though they took 10 balls to score the final five runs, India further improved their position at the top of Group Two.

"Let's take it one game at a time," skipper Mahendra Dhoni said. "There is no point thinking too far ahead. We could have finished it an over earlier but that was up to the batsmen in the middle.

"We are playing well, but we still don't have a bowler who can bowl the 18th and the 20th overs. We are trying out various combinations to see who is better suited to the job."

With only two teams progressing from the group into the semi-finals, the Windies now have key encounters with Bangladesh on Tuesday and Australia on Friday, then face Pakistan in their final match on 1 April.

"We did not have enough runs on the board but I was happy with the way the bowlers came back," their captain Darren Sammy said.

"We know what our top order can do. It's just one game down, we have three more to go. We are not pressing panic buttons, we will regroup and come back strongly."


Lebanon clashes flare over Syria

Lebanon clashes: Violence in Beirut among Syria rivals

Protest in Tripoli, Lebanon, 22 March Earlier deadly clashes in Tripoli in northern Lebanon sparked protests urging calm

Fresh clashes have erupted in Lebanon's capital Beirut among supporters and opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Lebanese troops were deployed after a number of casualties were reported in a predominantly Sunni Muslim area.

The clashes come after more than a week of factional violence in the northern city of Tripoli that has left 25 dead.

The fighting there is between supporters of Syria's rebels and those backing Mr Assad's Alawite sect.

Cars and buildings in Beirut were left riddled with bullet holes

Mr Assad has been fighting a three-year uprising against his rule. More than 100,000 have been killed since the conflict began.

Sunday's fighting broke out before dawn.

The state-run National News Agency quoted Shaker Birjawi, head of the pro-Assad Arab Movement Party, as saying four of his followers were wounded.

The army deployed troops to the area and the clashes appear to have decreased.

They follow more than a week of violence in Tripoli.

Battles there have raged between members of the predominantly Sunni district of Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Muhsin, which is populated mainly by Alawites, the heterodox sect of President Assad,

The war in Syria has exacerbated tensions between the two districts in the northern port city.

Are you in Beirut? Are you, or your family, affected by the issues in this story? Share your experiences using the form below.


Venezuela probes protest abuses

Venezuela investigates '60 cases of human rights abuse'

Pro-government supporters in Caracas, Venezuela Pro-government supporters marched through the capital, Caracas, on Saturday

Venezuela's attorney general, Luiza Ortega Diaz, says 60 cases of alleged human rights abuses during recent street protests are being investigated.

At least 15 officials had been imprisoned in connection with the violence, Ms Ortega said.

She said the unrest had killed 31 people, including six security agents, and left more than 450 injured.

Venezuela accuses "right-wing fascists" of plotting a coup behind the unrest, which started in mid-February.

President Nicolas Maduro says the United States was orchestrating the demonstrations, but the US says it is being used as a scapegoat for Venezuela's internal problems.

Ms Ortega also said there was a "systematic and planned international attack" against Venezuela, and that it was using human rights as an issue.

But she added that no government official would be excused for their wrongdoing.

'Police excess'

"Yes, there has been police excess, we won't deny it and the attorney general's office is investigating it," Ms Ortega told local broadcaster Televen.

She said that out of the 461 people injured in the protests, 318 were civilians and 143 were government officials.

Security officer fires tear gas in Caracas, Venezuela On Saturday, police and demonstrators clashed again in Caracas

The street protests started in mid-February with disgruntled students, but quickly became a near-daily feature in opposition strongholds around Caracas and in other cities of Venezuela.

The authorities have reported another three deaths in protests this weekend.

The governor of the western state of Merida, Alexis Ramirez. said a man was shot in his shoulder during clashes between security forces and protesters there and later died in a hospital on Saturday.

Two other men were reportedly shot dead in the cities of Valencia and San Cristobal.

Also on Saturday, supporters and opponents of President Maduro staged rival rallies in the capital, Caracas.

Last week, two opposition mayors were arrested for allegedly inciting the unrest.

The opposition says the government is violently repressing the protests and trying to silence the administration's critics.

President Maduro has blamed the violence on "fascist groups", accusing them of planning a coup against his government.

He says he has repeatedly invited them to the presidential palace for talks, but that they have refused to attend.

Opposition leader Henrique Capriles said he had accepted the invitation but had yet to meet Mr Maduro.


Thousands watch Aberdeen cup parade

Tens of thousands watch Aberdeen cup parade

Aberdeen team on bus The team was taken along Union Street in an open top bus

Tens of thousands of Aberdeen FC fans have seen the Scottish League Cup trophy paraded through the city centre.

An open-top bus carrying the team left Albyn Place at 13:00, and went along Union Street to the Town House.

It followed Aberdeen beating Inverness 4-2 in a penalty shoot out in Glasgow last weekend.

Aidan Duthie Four-year-old Aidan Duthie was among the fans watching

Aberdeen Lord Provost George Adam said the parade gave the whole city the chance to celebrate the team's first major silverware in 19 years.

Union Street became a sea of red and white as thousands of fans watched.

Club chairman Stewart Milne said the turnout was "beyond our expectations".

One fan said: "I have never seen so many people in my life - a great atmosphere."

Alongside the cheering and applause, a loud chant of "Peter Pawlett Baby" echoed along the city's main thoroughfare.

Fans have been singing the alternative lyrics to the Human League song Don't You Want Me at game

A social media campaign around the song swelled following the League Cup victory last Sunday.

Campaigns on Facebook and Twitter to get the single to the top of the charts have snowballed since the club won the trophy.

As a result, the song reached the top of the Scottish singles chart and number 19 in the UK chart on Sunday.

Aberdeen City Council made £25,000 from the city's Common Good Fund available to fund the parade.

Aberdeen team on bus The Aberdeen players savoured the special occasion
Derek McInnes and Russell Anderson Derek McInnes and Russell Anderson held the trophy aloft at the Town House

Where now for Wenger and Arsenal?

23 March 2014 Last updated at 17:39

Arsene Wenger: Arsenal boss faces criticism after 1,000th game

Arsene Wenger's 1,000th game as Arsenal manager was supposed to be an occasion to savour.

Instead the 64-year-old Frenchman described it as a "nightmare"  as a 6-0 humiliation by Chelsea raised more questions about Wenger's team selection, tactics and poor record against his title rivals.

So why did it go so horribly wrong for the Gunners at Stamford Bridge, a game Wenger had described as Arsenal's biggest of the season? Why has Wenger's team capitulated against their title rivals? What now for Wenger?

Here, we examine if the magic has gone for Wenger at Arsenal after 18 years, three Premier League titles and four FA Cup triumphs.

Five results that have shaped Arsenal's season

10 November 2013 : 0-1 away v Man Utd: Having won eight of their first 10 league games, the Gunners arrived at Old Trafford with a two-point cushion at the top, but lost to a goal by former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie. "We were just too nervous in the first half," said Wenger.

14 December 2013: 3-6 away v Man City: Wenger's side were five points clear at the top by the time they returned to Manchester. But they were blown away. Wenger said: "Whenever we got a goal back we conceded another soon afterwards, and always through bad mistakes."

08 February 2014: 1-5 away v Liverpool: Liverpool made a mockery of Arsenal's status as Premier League leaders by handing out an emphatic beating at Anfield . "The result raises questions, but I still think we can win the league," said Wenger.

19 February 2014: 0-2 home v Bayern Munich: Wenger's chances of winning the Champions League vanished as Mesut Ozil's early penalty was saved and Wojciech Szczesny was sent off for fouling Arjen Robben. Wenger said: "The referee made a decision that killed the game."

22 March 2014: 0-6 away v Chelsea: Wenger described his 1,000th game in charge of Arsenal as a "nightmare" as his 10-man team were crushed by ruthless Chelsea. "I take full responsibility for it," said the Frenchman.

2013-14 record versus Premier League top seven

Played

Won

Drawn

Lost

For

Against

Points

10

3

3

4

9

19

12

What the pundits said about Wenger's tactics against Chelsea

"He should have brought Mathieu Flamini on to add to his defence after the red card, but he waited until half-time," said former Chelsea and Scotland winger Pat Nevin. "Look at the man in the other dugout. If things are going very wrong for Jose Mourinho's team he will change it after just 20 minutes.

Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson told BBC Sport that the Gunners performance was "embarrassing". "It was obvious two years ago that Mikel Arteta was too slow," Robson added. "You cannot play him as a holding player and expect to beat the best teams. Flamini was a better bet."

Frank McLintock, an FA Cup and title winner with Arsenal in 1971, told BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek: "For the first goal two Arsenal players were stretched between three Chelsea players and I thought 'where are the full backs'? Bacary Sagna was particularly guilty - always bombing forward - he is very often 25 yards as if he's a right winger and I don't think you can play like that."

Wenger's record against Jose Mourinho

Played

Won

Drawn

Lost

For

Against

11

0

5

6

6

19

Can Wenger still inspire Arsenal to win the title?

"They've no chance," added Robson. "They've shown again when pressure is put on them by big teams that they are not tactically or physically up for it."

"In the last few weeks it looks as though they have run out of fuel and energy," said former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel on MOTD2 Extra. "Arsenal don't have a Plan B or a Plan C."

Speaking on the same programme, ex-West Brom, Wigan and Blackburn striker Jason Roberts added: "Both Chelsea and Manchester City are too far ahead of Arsenal."

Is it time for a change?

"In my view it was enough four or five years ago," added Robson. "The same mistakes happen time and time again."

Actually, Wenger is set to extend his contract with the Gunners. As recently as January, chief executive Ivan Gazidis said the Premier League's longest-serving manager, who is in the final 12 months of his current deal, would be staying.

"Arsene will be extending [his stay] with us and at the right time we will make that announcement," added Gazidis.

Wenger at Arsenal (Source: Opta)

Played

Won

Drawn

Lost

Win % for 1st 500

Win % for 2nd 500

1,000

572

235

193

57.8%

56.6%

Robson continued: "Arsenal are good against bad sides, play good football and he lets players expand their football, but to be a top side you have to get both sides of game right.

"If you are a good coach mistakes don't keep happening."

In defence of Wenger

"Arsene will not be a difficult act to follow - he will be an impossible act to follow," former Gunners vice-chairman David Dein, the man who brought Wenger to England,  told Sportsweek.

"He has done extraordinarily well for Arsenal and Arsenal has been good for him too - it has been a two-way relationship. But he has done a fantastic job, he has transformed the club.

"If they don't win a trophy it won't be for want of trying, nobody works harder at the job than Arsene.

"He has assembled a good squad. Obviously they can be improved, everyone knows that and Arsene himself knows that and will try and improve it again.

"But it's not that easy and he will be disappointed if they don't win a trophy, but they have a good chance this year."


VIDEO: Bez on his plan to stand as MP

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Bez plans to stand for parliament on anti-fracking ticket

23 March 2014 Last updated at 13:24 GMT

Mark Berry, better known as Bez from Manchester band Happy Mondays, says he is planning to stand for parliament at the next election.

He plans to fight for the Salford and Eccles seat on an anti-fracking ticket.

He spoke to Andrew Neil.


'Puppy love' leads to wedding bells

'Puppy love' as couple marry after guide dogs 'fell in love'

Claire Johnson and Mark Gaffey marry accompanied by guide dogs Venice and Rodd Labrador-Retrievers Venice and Rodd were "inseparable" when they met

A couple who got together after their guide dogs "fell in love" at a training camp have tied the knot.

Claire Johnson, 50, and Mark Gaffey, 51, met in 2012 after Labrador-Retrievers Venice and Rodd took a shine to each other.

The pair guided their owners through the service in Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent, on Saturday and even acted as ring-bearers.

Ms Johnson said she had "no doubt" the dogs had brought the couple together.

'Meant to be'

Their romance began on a two-week guide dog training course.

Ms Johnson said Venice and Rodd had been the "class love story" throughout their training and were constantly "playing and nuzzling together".

"Everyone used to joke about how Mark's dog Rodd and my dog Venice were meant to be together," she said.

After they were paired with the dogs, Ms Johnson and Mr Gaffey continued to meet for play dates because they "couldn't bear" to split them up.

Claire Johnson and Mark Gaffey marry accompanied by guide dogs Venice and Rodd Claire Johnson said the four were "best friends"

Their relationship developed and Mr Gaffey proposed on Valentine's Day last year.

Ms Johnson said all four were "best friends and soul mates."


Taiwan students storm government HQ

Taiwan students storm government headquarters

Hundreds of students have stormed the Taiwanese government's headquarters in protest at a deal that will bring closer trade ties with China

Taiwanese police have clashed with hundreds of students who had occupied government headquarters to protest at a proposed trade deal with China.

Police used water cannon and dragged out students one-by-one, clearing the building by dawn on Monday.

The students had used a vehicle to knock down barbed wire gates outside the offices in central Taipei.

The students say the government is jeopardising Taiwan's independence by pursuing closer ties with China.

The governing Kuomintang party says it is determined to ratify the deal with Beijing, which it says will boost the economy and create jobs.

China formally regards Taiwan as a part of its territory, despite the island governing itself for six decades.

Trading partners

Other protesting students have been occupying the parliament chamber since Tuesday.

On Friday thousands of people rallied to support those students who had been occupying parliament.

Police tried to dislodge the students on Wednesday but failed to breach barricades made using furniture.

The opposition Democratic Progressive Party has backed the protests.

China is Taiwan's biggest trading partner and in recent years ties between the two have improved.

The two sides split at the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949.

Earlier this year, the two countries held their first direct talks.


Real Madrid 3-4 Barcelona

Real Madrid v Barcelona

Real Madrid 3

Benzema 20′, 24′ Ronaldo 55′ (pen)

Barcelona 4

Iniesta 7′ Messi 42′, 65′ (pen), 84′ (pen)

  • FT 90 +3
  • HT 2-2

23 March 2014 Last updated at 22:43

Barcelona breathed new life into their La Liga title hopes as a Lionel Messi hat-trick helped fire them to victory in a thrilling match at 10-man Real Madrid.

Andres Iniesta shot into the top corner before Karim Benzema's brace put Real ahead.

Messi restored parity soon after but Cristiano Ronaldo put Real back ahead from the penalty spot.

After Sergio Ramos was sent off, Messi won the game with two penalties.

It was Messi's second hat-trick in a row as he became the second highest scorer in La Liga history, moving ahead of former Real striker Hugo Sanchez onto 236 goals.

The Argentine also became the all-time top scorer in Clasicos with 21 goals, beating Real legend Alfredo Di Stefano, as Barcelona moved to within one point of Sunday's opponents.

Messi has produced some indifferent performances this year but he has been back to his best lately with an inspirational performance in Barca's Champions League passage past Manchester City now followed by successive league trebles.

Atletico Madrid's 2-0 win at Real Betis earlier on Sunday means they top La Liga, level on points with their city rivals but ahead on their head-to-head record this season, but Barca are now within touching distance of the two of them.

The defending champions travelled to the Bernabeu having lost two of their last four league matches, while Real had not been defeated in their last 31 matches in all competitions.

But Barcelona signalled their early intent through a brilliant early strike into the top corner by Iniesta, after Messi's precise through ball.

Real, who had won their last 17 matches in a row at the Bernabeu, were soon ahead as Benzema made up for an early miss with a quick-fire double.

First he headed home Angel Di Maria's cross and then, four minutes later, the pair combined again as the Frenchman controlled on his thigh before slotting the ball into the net.

For a match that meant so much to both sides, it was surprisingly open and Barca had Gerard Pique to thank for not going further behind as he cleared Benzema's effort off the line.

Neither side looked sure defensively and, just before the break, Messi cut inside the area to fire the visitors level to cap a thrilling half of football.

Real were ahead again in controversial circumstances soon after the restart, as Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot after being tripped by Dani Alves just outside the penalty area.

The match swung again though when Ramos was shown a straight red card for fouling Neymar, allowing Messi to equalise from the penalty spot.

Alves then hit the post as Real looked content to hold out for the draw before Messi won the game, again from the spot, after Iniesta was sandwiched by Xabi Alonso and Dani Carvajal.

Barcelona have won six of their last 11 league fixtures at the Bernabeu and, also through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, they will believe they can go on to successfully defend their La Liga title.

Lineup, Bookings (8) & Substitutions (5)

Real Madrid

  • 25 López
  • 15 Carvajal
  • 12 Marcelo
  • 14 Alonso Booked
  • 03 Pepe Booked
  • 04 Ramos Dismissed
  • 19 Modric Booked (Morata - 90' )
  • 22 Di María Booked (Isco - 85' )
  • 09 Benzema (Varane - 66' )
  • 11 Bale
  • 07 Ronaldo Booked

Substitutes

  • 01 Casillas
  • 02 Varane
  • 05 Fábio Coentrão
  • 18 Nacho
  • 21 Morata
  • 23 Isco
  • 24 Illarramendi

Barcelona

  • 01 Valdés
  • 22 Dani Alves
  • 18 Alba
  • 16 Busquets Booked
  • 14 Mascherano
  • 03 Piqué
  • 06 Xavi
  • 04 Fábregas Booked (Sánchez - 78' )
  • 10 Messi
  • 11 Neymar (Pedro - 69' )
  • 08 Iniesta

Substitutes

  • 07 Pedro
  • 09 Sánchez
  • 13 Pinto Colorado
  • 15 Bartra
  • 17 Song
  • 21 Adriano
  • 24 Sergi
Ref: Alberto Undiano Mallenco
Att: 85,454

Match Stats

Shots

13 18

On target

8 6

Corners

1 5

Fouls

24 12

Live Text Commentary

Full time

Full Time Match ends, Real Madrid 3, Barcelona 4.

90:00 +2:58 Full time

Full Time Second Half ends, Real Madrid 3, Barcelona 4.

90:00 +2:57

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

90:00 +2:57

Foul by Álvaro Morata (Real Madrid).

90:00 +2:28

Offside, Barcelona. Alexis Sánchez tries a through ball, but Dani Alves is caught offside.

90:00 +2:27

Attempt missed. Alexis Sánchez (Barcelona) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Lionel Messi.

90:00 +1:18

Sergio Busquets (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

90:00 +1:18

Foul by Gareth Bale (Real Madrid).

90:00 +0:35

Xavi (Barcelona) wins a free kick on the left wing.

90:00 +0:35

Foul by Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid).

89:20 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Real Madrid. Álvaro Morata replaces Luka Modric.

89:03

Foul by Pedro (Barcelona).

89:03

Daniel Carvajal (Real Madrid) wins a free kick on the right wing.

87:38 Booking

Booking Luka Modric (Real Madrid) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

87:31

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

87:31

Foul by Luka Modric (Real Madrid).

86:43

Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

86:43

Foul by Isco (Real Madrid).

85:53

Offside, Barcelona. Dani Alves tries a through ball, but Alexis Sánchez is caught offside.

84:58 Booking

Booking Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

84:55

Javier Mascherano (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

84:55

Foul by Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid).

84:36 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Real Madrid. Isco replaces Ángel Di María.

84:17 Booking

Booking Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid) is shown the yellow card.

83:40 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Real Madrid 3, Barcelona 4. Lionel Messi (Barcelona) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the top right corner.

82:27

Penalty Barcelona. Andrés Iniesta draws a foul in the penalty area.

82:27

Penalty conceded by Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid) after a foul in the penalty area.

81:17

Attempt missed. Javier Mascherano (Barcelona) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Sergio Busquets.

80:40

Jordi Alba (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

80:40

Foul by Luka Modric (Real Madrid).

79:21

Foul by Javier Mascherano (Barcelona).

79:21

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

77:30 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Barcelona. Alexis Sánchez replaces Francesc Fábregas.

75:54

Foul by Javier Mascherano (Barcelona).

75:54

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

73:34

Dani Alves (Barcelona) hits the left post with a right footed shot from outside the box. Assisted by Lionel Messi.

72:22

Attempt blocked. Lionel Messi (Barcelona) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Andrés Iniesta.

71:18

Attempt missed. Sergio Busquets (Barcelona) header from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Xavi with a cross following a corner.

70:55

Corner, Barcelona. Conceded by Daniel Carvajal.

69:29

Foul by Francesc Fábregas (Barcelona).

69:29

Pepe (Real Madrid) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

68:23

Jordi Alba (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

68:23

Foul by Gareth Bale (Real Madrid).

68:05 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Barcelona. Pedro replaces Neymar.

67:26

Foul by Francesc Fábregas (Barcelona).

67:26

Luka Modric (Real Madrid) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

67:19

Attempt blocked. Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Sergio Busquets.

65:31 Booking

Booking Sergio Busquets (Barcelona) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

65:22

Foul by Sergio Busquets (Barcelona).

65:22

Daniel Carvajal (Real Madrid) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

65:03 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Real Madrid. Raphael Varane replaces Karim Benzema.

64:06 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Real Madrid 3, Barcelona 3. Lionel Messi (Barcelona) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the bottom right corner.

62:48 Dismissal

Dismissal Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid) is shown the red card.

62:42

Penalty Barcelona. Neymar draws a foul in the penalty area.

62:42

Penalty conceded by Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid) after a foul in the penalty area.

60:52

Attempt saved. Neymar (Barcelona) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Francesc Fábregas.

59:54

Corner, Barcelona. Conceded by Gareth Bale.

59:53

Attempt blocked. Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

59:17

Corner, Barcelona. Conceded by Marcelo.

57:39

Corner, Real Madrid. Conceded by Víctor Valdés.

57:37

Attempt saved. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Karim Benzema with a through ball.

57:15

Foul by Javier Mascherano (Barcelona).

57:15

Ángel Di María (Real Madrid) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

56:03

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) wins a free kick on the right wing.

56:03

Foul by Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid).

54:18 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Real Madrid 3, Barcelona 2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner.

53:25

Penalty conceded by Dani Alves (Barcelona) after a foul in the penalty area.

53:25

Penalty Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo draws a foul in the penalty area.

52:03

Sergio Busquets (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

52:03

Foul by Gareth Bale (Real Madrid).

51:54

Attempt saved. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Gareth Bale with a through ball.

49:15

Sergio Busquets (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

49:15

Foul by Luka Modric (Real Madrid).

48:50

Foul by Gerard Piqué (Barcelona).

48:50

Pepe (Real Madrid) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

48:10

Corner, Barcelona. Conceded by Sergio Ramos.

45:00

Second Half begins Real Madrid 2, Barcelona 2.

45:00 +1:00 Half time

Half Time First Half ends, Real Madrid 2, Barcelona 2.

45:00 +0:24

Attempt missed. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Daniel Carvajal with a cross.

42:37 Booking

Booking Francesc Fábregas (Barcelona) is shown the yellow card.

42:37 Booking

Booking Pepe (Real Madrid) is shown the yellow card.

41:39 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Real Madrid 2, Barcelona 2. Lionel Messi (Barcelona) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner.

40:40

Foul by Neymar (Barcelona).

40:40

Ángel Di María (Real Madrid) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

39:47

Attempt blocked. Gerard Piqué (Barcelona) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Xavi with a cross.

39:18

Corner, Barcelona. Conceded by Daniel Carvajal.

38:05

Gerard Piqué (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

38:05

Foul by Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid).

34:17 Booking

Booking Ángel Di María (Real Madrid) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

34:14

Neymar (Barcelona) wins a free kick on the left wing.

34:14

Foul by Ángel Di María (Real Madrid).

29:46

Attempt blocked. Xavi (Barcelona) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

28:27

Hand ball by Ángel Di María (Real Madrid).

28:00

Xavi (Barcelona) wins a free kick on the right wing.

28:00

Foul by Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid).

27:23

Neymar (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

27:23

Dangerous play by Ángel Di María (Real Madrid).

26:54

Attempt missed. Luka Modric (Real Madrid) left footed shot from outside the box is too high following a set piece situation.

26:52

Attempt blocked. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

25:58

Foul by Javier Mascherano (Barcelona).

25:58

Ángel Di María (Real Madrid) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

25:51

Attempt blocked. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ángel Di María with a cross.

25:33

Attempt blocked. Lionel Messi (Barcelona) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

24:32

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

24:32

Foul by Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid).

24:24

Francesc Fábregas (Barcelona) wins a free kick on the left wing.

24:24

Foul by Daniel Carvajal (Real Madrid).

23:05 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Real Madrid 2, Barcelona 1. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Ángel Di María with a cross.

22:14

Sergio Busquets (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

22:14

Foul by Karim Benzema (Real Madrid).

21:51

Delay over. They are ready to continue.

20:45

Delay in match Ángel Di María (Real Madrid) because of an injury.

19:39 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Real Madrid 1, Barcelona 1. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Ángel Di María with a cross.

18:39

Foul by Neymar (Barcelona).

18:39

Marcelo (Real Madrid) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

18:36

Attempt blocked. Neymar (Barcelona) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Lionel Messi with a through ball.

17:45

Attempt saved. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Karim Benzema.

15:41

Dani Alves (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

15:41

Foul by Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid).

14:40

Attempt missed. Lionel Messi (Barcelona) left footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Francesc Fábregas with a through ball.

13:01

Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

13:01

Foul by Daniel Carvajal (Real Madrid).

11:59

Attempt missed. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) left footed shot from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Ángel Di María.

11:33

Attempt saved. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Gareth Bale.

6:13 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Real Madrid 0, Barcelona 1. Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Lionel Messi.

4:04

Attempt missed. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) left footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Gareth Bale.

3:19

Attempt saved. Neymar (Barcelona) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner.

0:42

Sergio Busquets (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

0:42

Foul by Ángel Di María (Real Madrid).

0:00

First Half begins.

0:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

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