Sergio Busquets breaks Lionel Messi’s El Clasico record during Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid
SERGIO BUSQUETS broke Lionel Messi’s record for the most appearances in El Clasico.
The veteran midfielder made his 46th appearance in the glamorous fixture as Barcelona beat Real Madrid.
Eder Militao’s own goal in the 26th minute handed Barcelona the advantage in a heated Copa del Rey semi-final ahead of the second leg at the Nou Camp on April 5.
However, the victory was made sweeter for Busquets as he surpassed Messi’s record of 45 appearances.
The 34-year-old played the full 90 minutes and captained the side during their win.
Former Los Blancos star Sergio Ramos also held the record for playing 45 times in the fixture.
Busquets has been a regular in the fixture since he broke into the first team in 2008 from the youth academy.
He has won 22 of the 46 games against Madrid, losing 16 and drawing eight.
Despite the midfielder never scoring in the clash, he did get the assist for Messi’s iconic goal in the Champions League semi-final tie back in 2011.
Busquets laid the ball off for the Argentine, who then ran half the length of the pitch before finishing past Iker Casillas.
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The Spaniard could add two more appearances to his record before the end of the season, with the clubs also having a league LaLiga to play.
However, his record could end at 48 as he is expected to leave Barcelona at the end of the season.
Busquets has been linked with a move to the MLS and Saudi Arabia.