Real Madrid have momentarily moved to the top spot on the LaLiga table after a hard-earned 2-1 win over fierce rivals Barcelona in El Clasico.
Two first-half goals from Karim Benzema and Toni Kross put Los Blancos in the ascendancy but Barcelona gave themselves a lifeline when Oscar Mingueza reduced the deficit in the 60th minute.
Hard as they tried until the final kick of the game, Barcelona could not deny Real Madrid the three points that have taken them to the summit of the LaLiga table ahead of their city rivals, Atletico Madrid who be in action on Sunday away to Real Betis.
Zinedine Zidane’s side took the lead in the 13th minute through Benzema.
Lucas Vazquez sent in a cross from the right-hand side and Benzema produced a clever flick to give his side the lead.
Real doubled their lead 15 minutes later.
Toni Kroos’ free-kick deflected off the wall and Jordi Alba, who positioned himself on the goal line, could not prevent the ball from hitting the back of the net.
Barcelona were poor in the opening 45 minutes but they struck the post late on.
There were chances aplenty in the remaining 30 minutes as both sides created many scoring opportunities.
Real had their hearts in their mouth as the ended the game with 10 men after Casemiro was sent off in the 90th minute after felling Antoine Griezmann just outside the box.
Barcelona struck the post with virtually the last kick of the game through Ilaix Moriba but Real held on to all three points.
Real have reached the summit of La Liga, one point clear of Barcelona in third
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