TheCable

Real Madrid downed bitter rivals Barcelona 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the 169th El Clasico.

Barca drew the first blood by going 1-0 up early through Neymar, but Real fought back with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Karim Benzema, sealing an important win for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Luis Suarez assisted on Neymar’s goal in his comeback match after being out for four months, but Real tore Barca’s defence apart as they climbed to second in the standings behind Barcelona.

The Catalan giants had the perfect start, as Neymar scored inside four minutes to silence the home crowd.

A fluid move saw Suarez play a superb cross to his strike partner who jinxed inside and curled home a beauty.

Karim Benzema twice went close for Real, who immediately pursued an equaliser. The Frenchman hit the bar and post in quick succession.

In the 22nd minute, Messi should have extended the lead after a great ball from Neymar on the right found the Argentine six-yards out but somehow Iker Casillas got a touch on the shot from close range and it went out for a corner.

Then in the 33rd minute, Los Blancos were back in the game as Marcelo got to the byline, pulled the ball back and Gerard Pique inexplicably blocked the ball with his hand to concede a penalty.

Ronaldo stepped up and slotted home for his 21st goal of the season – the first goal Barca have conceded all season.

It should have been 2-1 right on half time when Marcelo’s cross found James Rodriguez but the Colombian sent his header wide.

Five minutes into the second half, Real turned things around with Pepe heading home after poor marking from Barcelona.

Barca came back strong after going behind and Mathieu hammered a shot towards the top corner, which Casillas turned away brilliantly.

Real then hit Barca on the counter to make it 3-1.

Isco took out two players with a flick, played it to Ronaldo, who knocked it to James. James in turn set up Benzema to slot home off the post and send the home fans wild.