After conceding the fastest goal in ‘clasico’ history after just 23 seconds, Barcelona rallied to win the match 1-3 at the Bernabeu to displace Real Madrid at the top of the table.
Karim Benzema gave Real Madrid the lead after 23 seconds and it took Barcelona a while to recover. Alexis scored the equaliser before a deflected shot from Xavi put Barca in the lead and Cesc put the result beyond doubt with a diving header.
Real had several excellent chances to score with Ronaldo, who had a poor game, missing a couple of virtual ‘sitters’. Messi, on the other hand, played a blinder as usual, although he failed to get on the scoresheet, and was invariably involved in the action.
There had been much tak before the match of a shift in the balance of power from Barcelona to Real Madrid, but on this performance, it’s a little way off yet. Barcelona remain unbeaten in their last seven matches against Real.
Bracelona are level oh points with Real at the top of La Liga but they have a better goal difference. Real have a game in hand but, as they say, it’s points in the bag that count.