It was all so sadly predictable. Real Madrid vs. Barcelona, a Champions League semifinal "Clasico" with many of the world's finest players on view.
And who stole the headlines? Lionel Messi for scoring two goals, the second a mesmeric effort that will stay long in the memory?
No, it was inevitably Jose Mourinho who, even by his standards (some may say lack of them), plummeted to a new low as he was sent to the stand, Real again reduced to 10 men with Pepe's dismissal and after-match quotes that gave the impression of a man with acute paranoia.