Real Madrid overcame rivals Barcelona with a 3-1 triumph at the Bernabeu to go three points clear at the top of LaLiga on Sunday.
The defending champions went into an early 2-0 lead through Karim Benzema and Federico Valverde before a Ferran Torres goal started a Barca fightback late.
However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side finalised the victory in stoppage time with a Rodrygo penalty.
Real Madrid took the lead after 12 minutes through a swift counter-attack which saw Benzema tap home after Marc-Andre ter Stegen blocked Vinícius Junior’s effort.
The France international snapped a streak of 5 games without a goal, which was his longest scoring drought at the club level since 2020.
Madrid doubled their lead 10 minutes before the break when Valverde found himself in space outside of the box and drove a fine finish past Ter Stegen.
Benzema thought he had a second goal early in the 53rd minute, but his goal was overruled for offside.
Barcelona grabbed a goal back with 10 minutes remaining through substitute Ferran Torres after great work from Ansu Fati.
Madrid stepped up a gear and was awarded a penalty in the 90th minute and converted by Rodrygo.
The result compounded a miserable week for Xavi Hernandez, who saw his side lose ground in the league title race after slipping to a disappointing Champions League draw midweek.
Madrid remains unbeaten in LaLiga this season and goes top with 25 points, with Barca in second place with 22 points.
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