The biggest match in football history wrote another chapter on Saturday when Real Madrid Defeated FC Barcelona 2-1 in the 246th El Clasico to move top of the table and do the double over their arch rivals for the first time since 2007-08 season. This also marked the first time that they have won three Clasico's in a row since 1978.
This is a fixture the fans look up first when the schedule is released. Going into the match, both teams were separated by just 3 points as the three way title race continued due to Atletico Madrid's recent slip up. This match took place at Real's temporary home, the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano due to the renovation work at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Fresh from their midweek win over Liverpool in the Champions League, Real were full of confidence as they headed into the El Clasico. The visitors were in fine form themselves as they had won their last nine away games and were setting their eyes for the Copa Del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao.
Madrid drew the first blood in the 13th minute when man in form, Karim Benzema's simple backheel found the back of the net at the near post. Toni Kroos then doubled the lead in the 28th minute when his direct free kick deflected off Sergino Dest and found its way into net. Jordi Alba tried to clear it off the line with his head but was unable to do so.
In first half injury time, Lionel Messi almost pulled a goal back when his ridiculous corner curled in and dinked off the far post with a loud thud much to the relief of Real Madrid. A minute later, a vital stop from Courtois made sure Madrid go into the break with a 2-0 lead.
Barcelona pulled one goal back finally in the 60th minute through an unlikely goalscorer in the form of Oscar Mingueza. A cross was whipped in from the left by Jordi Alba and Mingueza being unmarked then thumped the ball in to give Barcelona a chance to make a comeback.
There were few nervy moments for both sides after that and Real Madrid almost found themselves in trouble late in the game when Casemiro picked up two yellow cards within a minute to get himself sent off. A huge scramble at the end saw Barca throw everyone forward as they earned a late free kick. Barcelona midfielder Moriba's shot rattled the crossbar leaving Courtois stranded. The ball then landed to Barca keeper Ter Stegen of all people and his effort was blocked by his own player before Alba fired a shot wide to end the game.
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