(CNN) -- The 222nd El Clasico -- a match between Barcelona and Real Madrid which epitomizes the ultimate in team rivalry -- turned into an individual showcase for the two greatest players in world football and fittingly ended in a 2-2 draw Sunday. Barcelona's Lionel Messi scored twice to put his side 2-1 ahead in their Camp Nou Stadium after an early strike from Real's Cristiano Ronaldo. But the Portuguese star drew the reigning Spanish champions level on the hour mark with his second goal and almost certainly kept their title hopes alive. They trail leaders Barcelona by eight points after seven games, 11 would have been almost insurmountable.
@highlight
Barcelona draw 2-2 with Real Madrid in El Clasico
@highlight
Two goals apiece from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
@highlight
Catalan giants Barcelona stay eight points clear of arch-rivals
@highlight
Game held against backdrop of growing demands for indepedence for Catalonia
This feeling of Catalan identity embodied in a football club is summed up by Barcelona's motto "@placeholder" -- more than a club, and clashes against Real Madrid are chances to give vent to their feelings.
His mishit shot hit the post and by halftime @placeholder had equalized after hesitation in the Real defense.