Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points with a 1-0 win over Barcelona.
Baptista goal sends Real seven points clear
Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points with a 1-0 win over Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the season.
Julio Baptista's fine goal towards the end of the first half was enough to earn victory for Real, who extended their unbeaten run to six games.
Lionel Messi was sidelined with a thigh injury but Barcelona still started strongly, looking to maintain their 100 per cent winning record at home.
Iker Casillas stayed alert to keep out Samuel Eto'o and then quickly regained his balance to deny Andres Iniesta.
Real were again indebted to their goalkeeper as he made another superb save from Ronaldinho, before they took the lead on 36 minutes with a breathtaking counter-attack.
Juilo Baptista grabbed the goal with an assured finish into the top corner after a neat exchange of passes with Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Rattled
Barca were rattled and Real had chances to add to their lead either side of half-time, with Victor Valdes almost fumbling a powerful Robinho shot and Eto'o rifling an effort just wide.
Frank Rijkaard's side began to throw caution to the wind as the clock ticked down but Real's well-drilled defence stood firm and limited them to ambitious strikes from distance.
Ronaldinho endured the type of frustrating evening that he has become accustomed to in recent months but almost produced one moment of magic as he cut in from the left and shot over the crossbar.
17-year-old sensation Bojan Krkic was much more threatening when he came on and drew a fine save out of Casillas, while Yaya Toure missed the target from close range.
But Barcelona could not break through and face an uphill battle when La Liga resumes in the New Year.
