Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: Score, Grades and Reaction from El Clasico

Real Madrid threw down a huge marker in the title race in La Liga with a 3-1 win over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Barcelona took an early lead through Neymar, which raised the prospect of them moving seven points clear of Real, but Los Blancos hit back in style.

A penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo levelled the scores at the interval, before a header from Pepe and crisp finish from Karim Benzema secured the win.

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Barcelona looked good for only a few minutes in this game, then just lost any momentum they gained with Neymar's goal. Poor showing by FCB.

— Xoel Càrdenas (@XoelCardenas) October 25, 2014"

Four minutes into his official Barcelona debut, Luis Suarez began to pay back his transfer fee. A glorious cross-field pass from right to left from the Uruguayan picked out Neymar, who cut inside on the edge of the box and flashed a shot into the bottom corner.

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Neymar has already scored as many league goals this season (9) as he managed in the entire last season. pic.twitter.com/GM9UqwGHrW

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 25, 2014"

Claudio Bravo has proved his value to Barcelona this season, and he arrived at the Bernabeu having not conceded a goal in La Liga. The keeper had fortune on his side on the 10-minute mark, as brilliant footwork from Ronaldo crafted a chance for Benzema. The Frenchman arched his neck to meet a header and saw his brilliant effort crash against the bar.

After riding a wave of Real pressure, Barcelona came close to doubling their advantage on 23 minutes. Messi had a shot from the edge of the box saved by Iker Casillas. A matter of seconds later, the Real keeper made an even better save.

A glorious, low cross from the right from Suarez picked out Messi. He looked certain to score, but Casillas somehow got a touch on the shot and sent the ball round the post.

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El Clasico, El Gnashico, call it what you want....Luis Suarez looks effortlessly at home in football's top club game.

— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) October 25, 2014"

There was controversy on 25 minutes as Ronaldo tricked his way inside Sergio Busquets and tumbled to the floor, but referee Gil Manzano deemed the Real man went to the ground too easily.

A second penalty appeal was waved away after a Ronaldo header struck Gerard Pique’s arm, but the third one was successful.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Pique slid in to try to block a cross from Marcelo, but the ball struck his hand and the referee pointed to the spot immediately.

The spotlight turned to Ronaldo, and he kept his cool to slot home his 16th Liga goal of the season, sending Bravo the wrong way.

James Rodriguez is still trying to scale the heights he reached at the World Cup since making the move to Madrid. He had the chance to etch his name in Clasico folklore moments before the interval, but he mistimed a free header from 10 yards and sent the ball wide of target.

Pepe found himself in the eye of the Mario Balotelli shirt swap storm earlier this week. On 51 minutes, the only thing being talked about was the thumping header he planted beyond Bravo from a Toni Kroos corner to hand Real the lead.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

It was truly awful marking from Barcelona, but that should not detract from the power and precision in the defender’s header.

Barca came back strong, with Jeremy Mathieu forcing a superb diving save out of Casillas with a stinging drive.

But as the game opened up, Real pounced in devastating style just past the hour. Isco stole the ball from Andres Iniesta on the halfway line. He played a less-than-perfect ball to Ronaldo who tricked his way back inside and slipped a pass to Benzema. The Frenchman played a one-two with James before planting a shot beyond Bravo.

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4 - Karim Benzema has scored four goals in his last three league games against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu. Scratch.

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) October 25, 2014"

Barca lost Iniesta to a calf injury on 71 minutes, and after Neymar scuffed a decent chance to cut the deficit, it turned in to damage limitation for Luis Enrique's side.

It is early in the season, nine games to be precise, and this is a wounding defeat for Barca. But the positive for the Catalans to take is that they are still top of the table and now have Luis Suarez to call on.

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Luis Suarez's El Clasico by numbers: 1 assist 3 chances created 5 take ons 90% pass accuracy. pic.twitter.com/dEmn3b6t7M

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 25, 2014"

For Real, the sky is the limit. The football they play is of the highest class, and this win was accomplished with Gareth Bale injured. Real may be second in the table, but they are favourites for the title.

Grades

Dani Carvajal: A

Carvajal may not have the superstar appeal of some of his team-mates, but boy is he effective. Excellent positional play, strength in the tackle and solid distribution. He is a manager’s dream.

Karim Benzema: A

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

The big French forward was a thorn in the side of Barca all night. His movement was excellent, and he was constantly demanding the ball. He got his name on the scoresheet, but on another night he could have had three or four goals.

Luka Modric: A

The midfielder is a master of his craft. He just never seems to give the ball away, and his cool head is a calming influence when the heat is on.

Luis Suarez: B-

The match sharpness is not there—it couldn’t possibly be on his first game of the season. But he showed flashes of brilliance and got himself an assist.

Neymar: C

The Brazilian started superbly, grabbing an early goal, but as Real asserted their authority on the game his influence waned.

Reaction:

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Luis Enrique: "I don't regret letting Suarez start. He's with the squad from the start, he did well, better than I expected." #fcblive

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) October 25, 2014"