Luis Suarez scored the winner as Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Camp Nou to move four points clear at the top of the table.
Barcelona dominated the opening exchanges in midfield, but it was the visitors who created the first opportunity when Karim Benzema found the space to cross for Cristiano Ronaldo, who could only rattle the crossbar from close range.
The home defence looked vulnerable as Real kept the pressure on for an extended spell, with Isco firing just wide before Sergio Ramos headed over.
However, Barcelona struck first when Lionel Messi delivered an inviting free kick to allow Jeremy Mathieu to power home a header.
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The lead should have been doubled on the half-hour mark, but Neymar somehow managed to miscue an effort into the hands of Iker Casillas after a cross had been deflected into his path six yards out.
Real capitalised on the reprieve just moments later when Luka Modric and Benzema combined to release Ronaldo, who kept his composure to poke the ball past a helpless Claudio Bravo.
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Carlo Ancelotti's side grew in confidence after the equaliser, and Gareth Bale was left bemused when his goal was ruled out after Ronaldo had strayed into an offside position to flick the ball in the box.
The two most expensive players in the world would both threaten again before the break as Bale dragged a shot wide after Ronaldo had forced a corner with a long-range effort which forced Bravo into a fine save.
Real carried their momentum into the second half, and another chance was wasted when Ronaldo played through Benzema, with only another good stop from Bravo denying the Frenchman.
However, Barcelona's persistence in possession paid off as a longer ball from Dani Alves found the run of Suarez, whose perfect first touch allowed him to quickly swivel and beat the helpless Casillas.
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As Real searched for a way back into the match, Barcelona's attacking trio started to find more space, and a moment of selfishness from Neymar left Suarez frustrated as the Brazilian fired over from the edge of the box with his teammate waiting in space.
Messi was the next player to go close for the hosts when he cut inside before curling just wide, and the Argentine turned provider to create another chance for Neymar, who sliced wide moments later.
Real recovered from an extended spell on the back foot to come close when Benzema's strike took two deflections to force Bravo to push the ball past the post.
Barcelona missed chances to add more goals as Suarez dragged an effort wide before Casillas managed to deny both Jordi Alba and Messi with excellent saves.
However, frustration soon turned to delight for the home side as they clinched the win which hands them the control in the title race.
Callum Mulvihill
