El Classico
\nOnline
\nMadrid
\nReal Madrid have moved top of La Liga after Karim Benzema\u2019s flicked finish helped them claim a thrilling 2-1 victory over Barcelona in a wild Clasico at Valdebebas.
\nBenzema\u2019s superb piece of skill and a deflected Toni Kroos free-kick put Madrid in charge and while Oscar Mingueza pulled one back for Barca, they fell to defeat in what could be Lionel Messi\u2019s final appearance in this fixture.
\nSaturday\u2019s victory means Real Madrid go level on points with Atletico but lead the table on superior head-to-head results.
\nThe three are now separated by just a single point.
\nAtletico, without the injured Luis Suarez, face Real Betis on Sunday.
\nWith Atletico stumbling and both Barca and Real Madrid hitting their stride, this game looked set to define, if not the title, then who would become favorites to be crowned champions in May.
\nThe result was a riveting contest at a rain-soaked Alfredo di Stefano stadium that saw both teams squander numerous chances, several efforts come back off the woodwork and Casemiro sent off in extra time.
\nWith the last play of the game, Barcelona substitute Ilaix Moriba rattled Real Madrid\u2019s crossbar.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re still in it,\u201d said Barca coach Ronald Koeman. \u201cWe\u2019ve lost a game against a team who is also fighting for the league but we have eight games left and we will fight to the end.\u201d
\nCasemiro\u2019s red card had also given Messi a free-kick and the chance for a dramatic equaliser but instead, the Argentinian made it seven games now without a goal against Real Madrid, with many wondering if his 45th Clasico will be his last.
\nMessi might yet turn the tide in the eight games still remaining but there is no doubt Madrid are in the groove after backing up beating Liverpool 3-1 on Tuesday with another crucial victory.
\nThey can finish the job in the Champions League at Anfield next week although manager Zinedine Zidane admitted afterwards his players are \u201cphysically at their limit\u201d.
\n\u201cIt was a difficult game, the first half was ours, but we suffered in the second,\u201d said Zidane. \u201cWe deserved the victory, because we had a lot of chances to score the third.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
El Classico Online Madrid Real Madrid have moved top of La Liga after Karim Benzema\u2019s flicked finish helped them claim a thrilling 2-1 victory over Barcelona in a wild Clasico at Valdebebas. Benzema\u2019s superb piece of skill and a deflected Toni Kroos free-kick put Madrid in charge and while Oscar Mingueza pulled one back for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-185515","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-sports"],"yoast_head":"\n