Barcelona blew the La Liga title race wide open after Lionel Messi scored a last-kick winner in El Clasico.
Real Madrid had thought they had snatched a late point through James Rodriguez but were denied at the death.
Real had opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark after Sergio Ramos’ effort cannoned off the post and into the path of Casemiro, who tapped home.
But they were pegged back – and there was no surprise that it would be Messi. After skipping into the penalty area, the Argentinian slotted home for his first goal in six El Clasicos.
Real Madrid
Navas 8
Still no clean sheet since January but made a series of key saves after the break, particularly from Pique at 2-1 Barca
Carvajal 7
Enjoyed the freedom of not having Neymar to worry about although could have done more with his delivery in the final third
Nacho 6
Outclassed by Messi for Barca’s equaliser
Ramos 5
Again played his part in the opposition penalty box to set up opener, but lost his head with dreadful challenge on Messi that brought a remarkable 22nd career red card
Marcelo 7
Oh to have his energy levels. Decisive once again with brilliant cross for James’s equaliser
Casemiro 7
Got the vital opener but exceedingly lucky again to avoid being sent-off
Kroos 6
Short and long-range passing from midfield was sharp and precise, but unusually let down by set-piece delivery
Modric 5
Suffered from position being switched around to accomodate Bale early on and struggling to have influence he did in the first half of the season
Bale 4
Missed one big chance in his 39 minutes on the pitch, but injuries continue to plague his Madrid career
Benzema 6
Like almost everyone else had his chances only to be denied by Ter Stegen
Ronaldo 5
Will have nightmares over spooning over exactly the sort of chance he gobbles up at 1-1
Substitutes
Asensio 7
Offered far more than Bale after replacing the Welshman just before the break
James 8
So often sidelined, came off the bench to almost make a huge impact towards Madrid’s title challenge
Kovacic 6
Replaced Casemiro before the Brazilian was sent-off
Barcelona
Ter Stegen 8
One of his best nights for Barca with a string of great saves although could possibly have done better in coming for cross that led to Madrid’s opener
Sergi Roberto 8
Dealt better than most expected him to with Marcelo’s constant threat on the Madrid left and then produced incredible lung-bursting run to set up the winner
Umtiti 6
Got away with early challenge on Ronaldo that could have been a penalty. Otherwise looked assured.
Pique 7
Welcomed into the lion’s den as he would expect but as normal wasn’t fazed by it and nearly bagged a goal only to be denied twice by Navas.
