Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi came on as a substitute in Saturday's Clasico at Real Madrid and made his first appearance for two months.
When he came on in the 56th minute, Barcelona were already ahead 3-0 thanks to goals from Luis Suarez, Neymar and Andres Iniesta.
Messi had not played since injuring a knee ligament in late September, but he returned to training during the international break.
On Friday, club doctors gave Messi medical clearance to play at the Bernabeu if coach Luis Enrique chose to select him for the starting lineup.
#FCB 11: 1.Bravo 3.Piqué 4.Rakitic 5.Sergio 6.Alves 8.Iniesta 9.Suárez 11.Neymar 14.Mascherano 18.Jordi Alba 20.S.Roberto #ElClásico
- FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 21, 2015
It was the first time he has not started a Clasico since 2007.
Messi's club teammate Luis Suarez this week said "the feelings are very positive" that the Argentina captain would be able to play against Barca's greatest rivals.
Official - Messi on bench for Clasico today. Rakitic & Sergi Roberto both starting...
- Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) November 21, 2015
But speaking on Friday, Luis Enrique had said he would base his final decision on how Messi felt shortly before the match.
"Whether Messi plays or not -- I prefer him to play, of course -- the great news is that he is fit again," he said. "When will I make the decision about Messi starting or not? It'll be decided an hour before the game.
"Only the player can tell you how he is feeling."
For Real Madrid, midfielder James Rodriguez and forward Karim Benzema each returned to the starting XI for the first time since their respective injury layoffs.
¡Este es nuestro once inicial para el Clásico! #RMClasico #RMLiga #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/SdqzK50kD6
- Real Madrid C. F. (@realmadrid) November 21, 2015
James had not started since an Aug. 29 5-0 victory over Real Betis, while Benzema's last start in a Real shirt came on Oct. 4 in the 1-1 draw with city rivals Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona were forced into using one of their three substitutions early in the game when Javier Mascherano came off with an injury and Jeremy Mathieu replaced him.