Barcelona have moved six points clear at the top of La Liga after beating rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico at Camp Nou this evening.
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Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets both pushed hard in the opening minutes as the home side looked for an early goal, while Cesc Fabregas saw his strike accidentally blocked by Neymar.
Cristiano Ronaldo had the first chance off the clash for the visitors, but he smashed his finish both high and wide from outside the box.
The hosts managed to break the deadlock two minutes later, with Neymar bursting into the box before beating Diego Lopez with a low, powerful strike.
Lionel Messi had a couple of chances to extend Barcelona's lead in the first half, but his first drifted narrowly wide, while a later effort was blocked by Pepe.
Sami Khedira almost levelled just before half time with a close-range effort from a Ronaldo cross, but Victor Valdes made the save.
Gareth Bale led a bright start to the second half for the visitors, winning a corner moments after the restart.
Neymar had the opportunity to score his second of the encounter just before the hour mark, striking it first time from the edge of the area, but Lopez was able to tip the ball over.
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Moments later, Madrid almost found themselves back on level terms as Ronaldo was picked out by Luka Modric, but his strike was stopped by Valdes, who also saved an effort from Angel di Maria from the resulting corner.
The Catalan side managed to double their advantage in the 78th minute, as Alexis Sanchez beat Raphael Varane on the edge of the box before chipping the ball over Lopez.
Jese Rodriguez scored in stoppage time to give the visitors some late hope, but Barcelona were able to hold on the secure all three points over their La Liga rivals.
Sian Cowper
