LaLiga Real Madrid vs Barcelona Match report

RealMadrid starting line-up : Diego Lopez - Ramos Varane Pepe Coentrao - Modric Kaka Essien - Callejon Morata Benzema

FC Barcelona starting line-up: Valdés, Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, Alba; Sergio, Thiago, Iniesta; Villa, Messi and Pedro

First Half - First half began with lot of excitement as Madrid took an early lead through benzema. Once again, Dani Alves was found guilty of bad defending, not pressing Morata which resulted into a good cross in the box and benzema making no mistake, giving Madrid a lead in 7th minute
Barcelona, not looking as sharp as fans and the players would have wanted to, slowly came into the game with their passing, passive for most of time before settling down. Iniesta pulling the strings from midfield with Thiago in the absence of Xavi was at the heart of everything. Just when it looked like messi was still not in the game, a brilliant through ball from alves saw messi sprinting toward diego alves's goal, scoring through the legs of sergio ramos to give Barcelona the all important equalizer.

Lionle messi,with this goal, became joint top scorer in the history of classicos with legendary di stefano with 18 goals each.

As half time was approaching , both teams were looking good, creating couple of chances but unable to score, and there was nothing to separate the two at half time whistle.

Second Half- second half was very evenly poised for first few minutes with both the sides coming very close of scoring. Madrid made double changes as benzema was subbed off for Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka was taken off for Khedira. Second half saw some close chances, specially both the free kicks of Cristiano. one saved by valdes other by post.

Barca looked lost for some time, without energy and dull. Real Madrid captain Sergio ramos with an excellent header, scored the second and match winning goal off corner for Real Madrid  After that, barca never looked like threatening. The most controversial decision came when adriano was challenged in the box and referee decided not to award a penalty in dying minutes of the game that could have seen barca getting one point. Valdes lost his cool and had a fierce go at referee that saw him getting booked and sent off

FT: Real Madrid 2-1 FC Barcelona

What we learned form the game
1. Real Madrid are in top form and Manchester united should probably be little bit worried
2. Barcelona playing the possibly lowest level  football in last 4 years as compared to tejir own standards.  Not tactically sound, lethargic, and hunger of winning seems to be lost somewhere. Tito vilanova is being missed more than anyone.
3. Lionel Messi, whether he likes or not, should be rested once in a while. Fatigue has got him finally.
4.Barcelona still sit at the top of league table comfortably but they need to ensure it stays so.