Ronaldo and Benzema Batter Barcelona

 

Real Madrid finally made their Decima dream a reality in May, but for some Blancos fans there was still something missing from last season. A pair of defeats to Barcelona never goes down well, and a score needing settling on Saturday.

Their 3-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu gave them the same bragging rights over their hated rivals that they have over the rest of Europe, and also delivered a timely reminder as to why they should still be considered the best the continent has to offer.

In many ways it was a match which mirrored their season so far. They started poorly but once the Blancos clicked into gear they were simply unstoppable.


Madrid may have scored 35 goals in their last eight fixtures leading up to the first Clasico of the campaign, but they were even better against Barcelona than they have been at any stage in the past six weeks.
Barca got off to a great start, with Luis Suarez’s cross-field pass leading Neymar to cut inside two defenders and fire beyond Iker Casillas, but there were quickly signs that Madrid would have plenty to say about the destination of the three points.

Unusually, it was Carlo Ancelotti’s side dominating possession for long periods during the first half and, while they were denied by the woodwork and Claudio Bravo in equal measure, they eventually drew level from the penalty spot.
Gerard Pique made the ridiculous decision to block a low cross from the left with his arm as he slid in, and Cristiano Ronaldo slotted home from 12 yards.