Barcelona Takes Clasico from Real Madrid

Barcelona Takes Clasico from Real Madrid
Jojo Doria

Madrid, Spain

Barcelona gave up a goal in the blink of an eye but still had Real Madrid seeing red after Saturday's clasico.

Barca gave up one of the fastest goals in clasico history but rallied to win 3-1 in Madrid.

The win served many purposes for Barcelona, from sending it to the top of the table in the Spanish league title race to ending its arch rival's 15-match winning streak and sending the message that it is still the team to beat.

Madrid took the lead in 21 seconds, sending its home fans into a frenzy. Karim Benzema took advantage of a failed clear by Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes to score and give Madrid the lead.

The quick strike was the only one of the game for Madrid as Christiano Rinaldo failed to capitalize on a pair of clear chances and Barcelona once again found a way.

Lionel Messi created as he so often does and Alexis Sanchez was the beneficiary, tying the game in the 30th minute.

In the second half Xavi scored on a deflected shot for a 2-1 lead in the 53rd minute and Cesc Fabregas headed in the a goal at the back post in the 66th minute.

"We were superior to Madrid," said Barcelona midfielder Xavi. "We've been faithful to our philosophy, keeping hold of the ball and we were superior."