Who needs Messi when you have Neymar and Suarez?

Much of the build up to El Clasico centred on whether Lionel Messi would be fit enough to go head-to-head with his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo. In the end, the Barcelona ace started on the bench. But Barcelona's brilliance is built on more than just one man. They have won seven of the nine games he has missed through injury and attacking duo Luis Suarez and Neymar stepped up and delivered once again.

The pair scored 18 goals during Messi's absence and, with him watching from the dugout, added three more to their tally against Real Madrid.

Since signing from Liverpool, Suarez has thrived in the heat of El Clasico battles, scoring three goals and registering one assist in his three match-ups with Real Madrid. His opener after 11 minutes concluded a brilliant 24-pass team move. No goal has been scored in La Liga this season after more passes.

Of course, Messi will play a crucial part if Barcelona are to win trophies this season. But they have shown over a number of weeks - and against their biggest rivals - that they have a team packed with top quality players who are also able to make the difference.