RONALDO GOT BETTER OFF MESSI |
REAL MADRID CAME FROM BEHIND TO MOVE A POINT SHY OF ARCH-RIVALS.
Carlo Ancelotti's men came back from a Neymar goal to hit back three.
Real Madrid scored three in repeat to Neymar's fourth minute strike that gave the Catalan's an early lead.
But Los Blancos came back with a new spirit when Benzema hit the woodwork in a header of Cristiano Ronaldo's cross. The Frenchman hit the bar for the second time on the rebound.
Real Madrid got another chance from James corner when Ronaldo's header struck at Pique's hand. Unfortunately, the referee didn't notice it.
Barcelona nearly made it 2-0 when Messi missed what could have given them an early victory. Luis Suarez tapped in a cross which San Iker Casillas saved from just 8 yards from the goal.
Barcelona just didn't create any more chance in the first period.
Real Madrid was given a penalty when Marcelo's pass touched Pique's hand. Ronaldo scored the resulting penalty which was 16th of the season and 11th consecutive scored game.
Ronaldo's penalty proved to be the first sign of comeback as Madrid threatened Barcelona's defence with a number of counter attacks. Finally Pepe headed Real to the lead when he finished a brilliant header into the net off Kroos corner. The centre back was left unmarked as the Catalan defence appeared to focus on Ramos and Ronaldo.
Madrid scored the last and final goal from the foots of Karim Benzema. Luka Modric cleared Barcelona's corner which Isco pressurized Iniesta to an error. The Barca playmaker passed to Mascherano who couldn't receive it. Isco took the resulting ball and passed to Ronaldo who in turn gave James. The Colombian assisted Benzema with the Frenchman finished neatly.
The win took them one point behind Barca and improved their winning run.