The Catalans started well, pressing Madrid high up the pitch but eventually it was the men in white who started to dictate play. Hard tackles, in particular from Ronaldo, broke up Barcelona's play. Although Real Madrid do not have the passing quality of Barça it was an exquisite pass that set up the first goal.
The reigning champions broke the deadlock as Cristiano Ronaldo ignored his Clásico superstition. The number 7 broke free of Dani Alves and was brilliantly found by inform striker Benzema. Giving Ronaldo too much space is rarely positive and the chance wasn't wasted. He broke free of Piqué's pressure and smashed the ball through the legs of reserve goalie Pinto.
Barcelona stuck to their philosophy and tried to create chances with short passes but the tactics of Mourinho's Madrid seemed to keep them at bay. The biggest chance falling to Alexis, who saw his header collide with the bar.
Real Madrid continued to impress and unusually Lionel Messi barely touched the ball. For once Madrid weren't being overrun in midfield and seemed to follow their coach's instructions to the word. Ronaldo was a highlight, making crucial tackles and covering for attacking players straying out of position.
The half time whistle came with Madrid leading 1-0. Both managers would be satisfied with what they had seen so far but Mourinho would've been the happier of the two.
Barcelona started the second half with a quick pace. Catching any loose balls and pressuring the Madrid players. They earned themselves a corner early into the second half and Xavi lined up to take it. The ball came floating in as Pepe was left ball watching and left space for Puyol. The captain took the chance beautifully with a diving header to level the score line.
Real Madrid picked up the pace too and possibly should've taken the lead again when Karim Benzema struck the post. Saving the blushes of a beaten Pinto.
The Catalans began to dominate though. Reaching their standard high levels of possession and putting it to good use in the 76th minute. A well timed run from Abidal was spotted by Messi with a chipped through ball. The French left back controlled the ball and slotted past Casillas. Barcelona led for the first time and looked unlikely to concede.
The game did not produce a red card but maybe should've. Pepe had been playing dirty tactics all night long. Acting as if he was struck in the face when replays showed he wasn't and over dramatising every tackle made. Pepe was booked for an ill timed tackle but could have been shown a straight red card for intentionally stamping on Lionel Messi's hand late in the second half. An incident the referee failed to spot. A late lunge from Ricardo Carvalho was almost deemed unworthy of a card by referee Muñiz Fernández.
The game finished 2-1 and although nothing is certain, Barcelona will be confident they can get the result they need when the sides meet next Wednesday at the Camp Nou
Full time result: Real Madrid 1-2 Barcelona
Goal scorers: Real Madrid: Ronaldo (10) Barcelona: Puyol (48) Abidal (76)
Team line-ups:
Real Madrid: Casillas, Lass Diarra (Özil 66), Ricardo Carvalho, Pepe (Granero 79), Sergio Ramos, Altintop, Xabi Alonso, Fábio Coentrão, Higuaín (Callejón 66), Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema Subs: Nuri Sahin, Kaká, Adán, Marcelo, Albiol, Varane, Di María, Mejías
Formation: 4-3-3
Barcelona: Pinto, Alves, Puyol, Piqué, Abidal, Busquets, Xavi (Thiago 86), Iniesta, Cesc (Cuenca 88), Messi, Alexis (Adriano 82) Subs: Valdés, Mascherano, Sergi Roberto, Dos Santos
Formation: 4-3-3
Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu
Referee: Muñiz Fernández
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