Real Madrid vs Barcelona LIVE: Result, final score, and reaction after Federico Valverde settles El Clasico
Follow live updates as the rivals clash in a top-of-the-table fixture at the Bernabeu
Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde and Rodrygo were all on target as a dominant Real Madrid beat old rivals Barcelona 3-1 at home in El Clasico on Sunday to move top of LaLiga.
The defeat was another blow to Barca and manager Xavi Hernandez after they were left on the verge of Champions League elimination following a draw with Inter Milan in midweek.
Barca had no answer to Vinicius Jr’s relentless pace and Toni Kroos’s precise passes for Real and both were the architects of several chances, including the first two goals.
Despite a late strike by Ferran Torres to pull one back, Barcelona couldn’t find a way through for a second goal and Rodrygo’s injury-time penalty sealed the win.
Follow all the post-game reaction from El Clasico.
Benzema scores as Real Madrid beat Barcelona to go top of La Liga
Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde and Rodrygo were all on target as a dominant Real Madrid beat old rivals Barcelona 3-1 at home in El Clasico on Sunday to move top of LaLiga.
The defeat was another blow to Barca and manager Xavi Hernandez after they were left on the verge of Champions League elimination following a draw with Inter Milan in midweek.
Barca had no answer to Vinicius Jr’s relentless pace and Toni Kroos’s precise passes for Real and both were the architects of several chances, including the first two goals.
Despite a late strike by Ferran Torres to pull one back, Barcelona couldn’t find a way through for a second goal and Rodrygo’s injury-time penalty sealed the win.
Full time - Real Madrid 3-1 Barcelona
A first defeat of the league campaign for Xavi’s side, but a reminder from Ancelotti’s that there’s still a bit of catching up to do after a big summer of spending.
The reigning champions are back on top, three points clear of their rivals.
Xavi will have seen some good spells of possession for Barcelona but with nowhere near enough penetration - Real’s defence stood firm almost throughout.
Full time - Real Madrid 3-1 Barcelona
There’s the whistle and Real Madrid are top of the table in La Liga, leapfrogging Barcelona thanks to this victory.
A first-half lead proved enough in truth, Benzema and Valverde scoring there, and despite Ferran’s late goal, they never quite looked like they could create enough to earn a point - and Rodrygo’s late penalty settled matters.
GOAL! 90+1’ - Real Madrid 3-1 Barcelona
Bottom corner, 3-1! Rodrygo ensures the points are staying with Los Blancos.
90’ - Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona
Rodrygo goes down in the box but there’s no foul says the ref. VAR has a look but although Eric stands on his foot, it could also be offside.
Ref is now having a check pitchside...penalty given!
87’ - Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona
Fati almost equalises! De Jong’s cross is blocked, it bounces to Fati and his volley on the side is just an inch wide of the post!
Real Madrid subs now: Benzema and Carvajal off, Asensio and Rudiger on.
GOAL! 84’ - Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona
GOAL! Barcelona back in it! A brilliant run down the left from Ansu Fati down the left and he crosses low, Lewandoski misses it but Ferran Torres is there to side-foot home!
Pedri is off, Kessie on. Last change for Xavi.
80’ - Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona
Into the final ten minutes and it’s going to need an almighty turnaround from Barcelona from this point if they are not to suffer defeat.
Fati almost pulls one back though as he rifles one at goal from the edge of the box - just wide of Lunin’s far post!
Yellow card now for Gavi for launching into a tackle. It’s starting to get a little more desperate for the visitors but Real still look extremely composed. They’ll be top tonight.
76’ - Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona
Ansu Fati on for Dembele in another Barca change. Lewandowski goes down in the box but the ref isn’t interested in his calls at all.
A quick VAR check agrees - not enough contact after he brushed past Carvajal. Pretty much threw himself to ground.
Modric is booked for a foul on Pedri as Barcelona are stopped from gaining any in-play momentum at every turn.
72’ - Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona
Ferran Torres is left frustrated by Dembele, who tries to go it alone against three defenders.
Lewandowski loops a header towards goal but not really at goal and it’s easy for Lunin. No clear sighters of goal for Barcelona today at all.
Dembele is then fouled by Tchouameni and they will at least have a chance to have a go from the free-kick...it’s Lewandowski, and it’s into the wall. Disappointing.
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