El Clásico: Real Madrid beat rivals Barcelona 3-1 to take La Liga lead

CNN
—

Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have entered the pitch unbeaten in La Liga this season, with Barca leading their rivals on points difference at the top of the league.

But after the centenary edition of El Clásico at the Bernabeu stadium, it was Real Madrid who marked their authority in the league with a 3-1 victory on Sunday, despite a late comeback from Barcelona.

Madrid appeared to be heading for victory after goals from Karim Benzema and Federico Valverde gave them a 2-0 half-time lead, while midway through the second half Benzema celebrated as if he had added a third only for him to be flagged for offside.

But as the game seemed to be losing steam towards a regulation victory for Madrid, Barcelona hit Ferran Torres to make it 2-1 and set up a grandstand final.

Although Barcelona continued to press for an equaliser, it was Madrid who confirmed their ultimately comfortable win with a penalty from Rodrygo.

More soon…