Real Madrid – Barcelona

1. Join us at 2100 GMT for one of the biggest games of the year - Barcelona v Real Madrid.

2. <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/1209/josemourinhopresser_275x155.jpg">Mourinho's men have started well.

3. Want to know who to back in Spain? Eduardo Alvarez has <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/994207/espnsoccernet-la-liga-quiniela---week-13---el-clasico?cc=5739" target="_blank">the week's Quiniela.</a>

4. Good evening everyone

5. The team news is in for the biggest (is there any other kind?) El Clasico in years.

6. This is potentially the most crucial game of the season. Failure to win on Barca's part would mean it's highly unlikely they'll be able to win the Spanish title.

7. Real Madrid line-up: Casillas, Diarra, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo, Xabi Alonso, Ozil, Coentrao, Di Maria, Benzema, Ronaldo

8. Barcelona line-up: Valdes, Alves, Pique, Puyol, Abidal, Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, Alexis Sanchez, Fabregas, Messi

9. It's an interesting insight into what Pep Guardiola considers his strongest side to be.

10. For Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, it seems Karim Benzema - perhaps surprisingly - is the first choice striker over Gonzalo Higuain.

11. Diarra is a surprise inclusion - an obvious attempt to stop Barca playing - and Khedira is ommitted. Coentrao at right-back, too, which is another surprise.

12. Less then 15 minutes now until kick-off.

13. There's been some suggestion that Diarra is playing at right-back, but to clear that up it appears he's in midfield, and Coentrao's at the back.

14. Has a single football pitch ever had so many talents on it at any one time? Pedro, Mascherano, Thiago Alcantara, Villa, Higuain and Kaka all on the bench. And more.

15. A warm looking hand shake is exchange between Guardiola and Mourinho. Kick-off is imminent.

16. 1'

    Game kicks off, Real instantly look to press Barca.

17. 1'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Real score! Real Madrid 1-0 Barcelona</b> Benzema with the goal.

18. 1'

    An absolutely shocking error from Victor Valdes with a miss-kick that eventually ends with the ball with Benzema, who fires Real in front. A dream start for Real.

19. 2'

    Game could get very interesting now, because Real were always going to try to stop Barca playing and probably would have been happy with a draw, and they now need not attack at all.

20. 3'

    Barca clearly nervous at the start. Mourinho has really fired Real up because they're pressing with great intensity all over the pitch.

21. 4'

    Ball now back with Pique n Barca'a defence as they look to rebuild and recover.

22. 5'

    Barca look to attack but Fabregas' through-ball isn't good enough and Casillas collects.

23. 6'

    Real now exchanging possession, patiently.

24. 7'

    What a save from Casillas! Messi capitalises on a slip from Ramos to take the ball, run and shoot. Very close, an important save indeed.

25. 7'

    And the first foul goes in! Coentrao flies into Sanchez and it'll be a Barca free-kick.

26. 8'

    Messi to take the free-kick, near the corner spot.

27. 8'

    It's not a great delivery and Ronaldo clears

28. 8'

    Real manage to break but Di Maria wastes the move with a poorly executed pass that Valdes collects.

29. 9'

    Free-kick to Real now after a foul by Xavi. Real already taking their time.

30. 10'

    Abidal horribly slices his clearance to gift Real a throw-in.

31. 11'

    Di Maria's cross is headed by Benzema but Valdes saves well. A very nice cross. Real now looking comfortable with Barca still somewhat unsettled.

32. 12'

    Messi fouled by Alonso. Free-kick.

33. 12'

    Messi gives the ball away on the edge of Real's area (how many times can you say that?), Barca now have the ball in defence again.

34. 13'

    Valdes with another poor clearance which Alonso tries to capitalise upon with a chip, but it's unthreatening and comes to nothing.

35. 13'

    Di Maria down after pressing for the ball. Seemed to sleep a perhaps twist his ankle or knee and is now getting treatment.

36. 15'

    Real take the throw-in and return the ball to Barca, after Busquets had knocked the ball out to allow Di Maria to receive some treatment.

37. 16'

    Real's pressing sees Ozil dispossess Abidal. Barca escape with a throw-in.

38. 17'

    Throw-in to Barca after Marcelo's challenge.

39. 18'

    Casillas with the goal-kick, then.

40. 18'

    Barca free-kick near the halfway line after Ozil's foul.

41. 18'

    Barca free-kick near the halfway line after Ozil's foul.

42. 18'

    Now a Real free-kick after Sanchez's handball.

43. 19'

    Ramos sends the ball long looking for Ronaldo, unsurprisingly, but Barca collect

44. 19'

    Messi is again crowded and dispossessed. Barca finding it difficult to build any real rhythm.

45. 20'

    Casillas with the ball again. No pressing from Barca.

46. 20'

    Iniesta attempts a through-ball on the edge of the area but Coentrao blocks successfully. Barca now with the ball back in defence.

47. 20'

    Ramos fouls Sanchez. Free-kick to Barca.

48. 20'

    Genuine belief and urgency from Real so far.

49. 21'

    Barca with a free-kick on the edge of Real's area.

50. 21'

    Xavi shoots but Casillas tips the ball over. Barca's resultant corner is wasted as it curls beyond the box and out for a goal-kick.

51. 23'

    Not sure that giving both Fabregas and Messi such freedom - at the same time - suits Barca tonight. They're lacking some shape which usually isn't an issue for them, but it is at times tonight.

52. 24'

    Could have been two!

53. 24'

    Benzema cuts the ball back for Ronaldo just inside the penalty area and Ronaldo has a lot of time and space, and could have passed to Di Maria, but instead shot and curled it well off target. A really poor effort from a man considered by many to be the world's best.

54. 25'

    Messi fouled again by Alonso. Unsurprising to see these tactics on display. Real have to make sure they don't get anyone sent off, however.

55. 27'

    Di Maria now rolling around on the floor in pain following Sanchez's challenge.

56. 27'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Sanchez booked.

57. 27'

    Real free-kick.

58. 28'

    Real on the attack again...

59. 28'

    Until Puyol dispossesses Ronaldo, that is.

60. 29'

    Dani Alves is now on the floor. A blatant overreaction after Marcelo accidentally hit him - not hard - in the face with his arm.

61. 30'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Barca equalise!

62. 30'

    <b>Real Madrid 1-1 Barcelona</b>

63. 30'

    A superb goal with the assist from Messi. Good run and pass by the Argentinian, who plays in Sanchez who, in turn, finishes very neatly despite being surrounded by two Real defenders. A very cool finish.

64. 32'

    Barca in possession again, and clearly lifted.

65. 32'

    This was the obvious concern for Real - Barca have several players with such outstanding talent that even pressing for 90 minutes cannot prevent a moment of brilliance from someone like Messi.

66. 33'

    Barca with the throw-in, then.

67. 34'

    Alves with a nasty challenge on Alonso. Free-kick to Real, and Alves fortunate not to have been booked.

68. 35'

    Abidal giving the ball away when he should have passed to Iniesta.

69. 35'

    Barca recover the ball and launch an attack which is stopped when Sanchez is fouled.

70. 35'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Messi booked for dissent.

71. 36'

    It must be said that Sanchez overreacted from the challenge. Unsurprisingly.

72. 37'

    Real now with their own brand of 'tiki-taka'.

73. 38'

    Passing the ball around with some admirable one-touch football.

74. 39'

    Benzema working hard for his team, tracking back and making the challenge on Alves.

75. 40'

    Messi tries the through-ball for Sanchez again but it's intercepted.

76. 41'

    Constant danger posed by Messi. Not even at his best tonight but clearly the world's best player.

77. 42'

    Well defended from Barca with Real playing on the counter. Throw-in to Real after Abidal's challenge.

78. 43'

    Xabi Alonso with some superb passing again. Effortlessly spreading the ball across midfield. Ronaldo may be Real's most talented player, but there's no doubt Alonso is every bit as important.

79. 44'

    That's controversial! Messi with a bad challenge that probably deserved a yellow card but the referee refused to book him because it would have meant the star man going off.

80. 45'

    He even went for his pocket before changing his mind.

81. 45'

    Sanchez tackled by Coentrao. Barca with enough time for another attack, of course.

82. 45'

    The one minute of stoppage time is over and it's half-time...

83. 45'

    An exciting half. A personal opinion is that Barca will still win. So much quality in their side, even more so than Real, and it's hard not to imagine Coentrao or Marcelo - or another - switching off for just a moment and leaving just enough space or time for Barca to score another.

84. What are your thoughts on the game? Tweet them to @ESPNsoccernet

85. Surprised to see Fabregas so anonymous tonight, given the superb form he's been in so far this season.

86. <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/1210/barcelonagoal20111210_275x155.jpg"><br>Sanchez equalises for Barca

87. <i>Catch action from every Barclays Premier League match on your mobile for <b>FREE</b> on the enhanced <a href="/news/story/_/id/941526/enhanced-espn-premier-league-goals-app---now-free">ESPN Goals</a> app (UK only). </i>

88. Personally find it difficult to look beyond a Barca victory. They grew into the game as the half progressed, and were clinical with the one real chance they had. I can't see them not making at least one more chance, it'll be very hard for Real to maintain such an intensity throughout the game.

89. 46'

    <b>Second-half now under way</b>. What will the second half bring?

90. 46'

    Wouldn't be a surprise to see a red card somewhere in this half. Messi, in particular, needs to calm down.

91. 47'

    Iniesta tackled by Coentrao when running with purpose towards the Real goal.

92. 47'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Pique booked

93. 47'

    An obvious foul on the edge of the Barca box. Shooting chance for Real.

94. 48'

    Ronaldo standing over the ball...

95. 48'

    But fires it straight at the wall. Alves then fouls Pepe in a similar area. Ronaldo likely to shoot again.

96. 49'

    This time he gets in on target, but Valdes saves well. Good save because the conditions are very wet and the danger is certainly there for some spillages.

97. 50'

    Diarra with a superb tackle on Messi.

98. 51'

    Has done very well tonight, he's very unlucky not to play more regularly.

99. 53'

    Barca now exchaning possession comfortably and probing for an opening.

100. 53'

     A superb tackle by Coentrao on Iniesta with the Spaniard working his way into a shooting position.

101. 53'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Real 1-2 Barca!

102. 53'

     Another freak goal1

103. 54'

     Xavi with the effort from outside the area that deflects off of Marcelo and beyond Casillas. A wicked deflection, if ever there was one.

104. 55'

     Valdes almost gives the ball away again, rescued by Alves!

105. 56'

     Surprising to see it when Valdes is normally such a fantastic sweeper, and so composed.

106. 56'

     Benzema wins Real a corner.

107. 57'

     Di Maria wonderful when dribbling, changes direction with such ease. Real's dangerman so far tonight.

108. 58'

     Abidal caught again in possession but recovers by intercepting Ronaldo's through ball to Benzema. A great recovery, that was a certain goal if that had gone through.

109. 58'

     Great tackle from Ramos now at the other end!

110. 58'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ozil off, Kaka on

111. 59'

     Mourinho clearly looking for the equaliser. And why not? Currently losing so why not go for it.

112. 59'

     Fabregas fires wide from a great position but he's well offside.

113. 60'

     Kaka breaks down the left but finds himself isolated. Ronaldo's support poor as the winger sends in a poor cross. Ronaldo very underwhelming so far tonight.

114. 61'

     Diarra fouls Iniesta - more of a rugby tackle than a football one.

115. 61'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Diarra booked

116. 62'

     Messi puts Sanchez through who does really well to get his shot on target, but Casillas saves well!

117. 62'

     Pepe booked <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15">

118. 62'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Diarra off, Khedira on.

119. 63'

     Pepe deserved the booking for a rash challenge that was never going to win him the ball. Shooting range for Barca.

120. 63'

     Messi curls it just wide! Bent the ball round Real's wall, but it's just outside the post.

121. 65'

     A terrible miss from Ronaldo, what a chance!

122. 65'

     Absolutely terrible!

123. 65'

     Xabi Alonso curls a masterful cross into the box, and Ronaldo has plenty of time and space to score with the header but he can't even get it on target. Don't expect to see hi get a better chance than that.

124. 65'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Real 1-3 Barca</b>

125. 66'

     Barca break superbly and with such speed, a great move that ends with Fabregas diving low for his side's third. How Ronaldo will regret his miss.

126. 68'

     Barca suddenly looking very comfortable.

127. 69'

     Can't help but feel Mourinho and Real deserve better - they're an outstanding side but how do you compete with Barcelona?

128. 70'

     Further evidence of why Messi is superior to Ronaldo.

129. 70'

     That's a sight you'll rarely see: Mourinho looking as though he has nothing to say.

130. 71'

     Barca now playing the ball superbly. Breaking for another attack - it's three on three

131. 72'

     But Alves wastes the move with a poor pass. Real escape.

132. 73'

     Barca free-kick.

133. 73'

     The growing tension is obvious.

134. 74'

     And another Barca free-kick.

135. 74'

     Iniesta showigng some superb skill before the free-kick was awarded. Barca now comfortable and happy to take their time.

136. 75'

     It wouldn't be a surprise to see Barca score again - they're suddenly getting a lot more space.

137. 75'

     Benzema waste a very good chance for Real, curling wide when he should have passed to Higuain. Poor from him.

138. 76'

     Barcelona are clearly happy to maintain the score as it is. Not trying to capitalise on the added space they're getting now.

139. 77'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Fabregas off, Keita on.

140. 78'

     Keita's arrival another clear sign that Guardiola simply wants Barca to not take any unnecessary risks and keep the scoreline as it is.

141. 80'

     Barca again spreading the ball with ease. The onus is obviously on possession and running the clock down.

142. 81'

     Iniesta with a superb piece of skill. Passed to Sanchez when he perhaps should have shot - could have been a great goal.

143. 82'

     Iniesta again breaks but Real have the ball again. Real looking somewhat sloppy and disorganised.

144. 83'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Villa on, Sanchez off (what a luxury that is)

145. 84'

     Kaka goes close for Real!

146. 84'

     Valdes lucky with the save! Dives to his right and somehow manages to turn the ball around the left post. Corner to Real.

147. 84'

     Puyol eventually clears for a Real throw-in.

148. 85'

     Barca break again but Villa loses the ball with his first touch.

149. 86'

     Real somehow prevent another goal! Desperate defending, throwing themselves in front of the ball.

150. 87'

     Poor again from Villa!

151. 87'

     Barca had a great chance to score again and Villa, instead of going for goal himself, plays a poor pass that goes to no-one and Real collect.

152. 88'

     Khedira blocks another goalbound effort! Close again!

153. 88'

     Iniesta really taking advantage of Real's uncertainty. Clearly enjoying the game and almost creates another goal before Pepe clears.

154. 89'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Iniesta off, Pedro on.

155. 90'

     Free-kick to Barca near the corner spot, now.

156. 90'

     There'll surely be very little stoppage time.

157. 90'

     3 minutes stoppage time - not quite sure where that's come from.

158. 90'

     Real clearly happy to limit the damage and avoid conceding another. Barca happy with the scoreline and won't force another goal, either.

159. 90'

     Match is very much winding down, little to no purpose or urgency from either side.

160. 90'

     Real free-kick on the edge of the Barca box. Surely the last act of the game.

161. 90'

     Ronaldo with another poor effort. Really hasn't been his night. Effort goes straight at the wall.

162. 90'

     <b>Full-time!</b> Real Madrid 1-3 Barcelona

163. An absolutely crucial win for Barcelona. What a side they are to recover from going one goal down, against an opponent of Real's calibre, in a game of such magnitude, and to win so convincingly.

164. As well as Real being the obvious losers on the night, it'll be a personal low for Ronaldo who disappointed throughout.

165. The result's a huge blow for Real. They had such momentum, confidence and belief going into the game, and they even had the good fortune of Benzema's opening goal on 28 seconds, and they still cannot beat Barcelona. They'll be wondering what more it takes. A clinical Ronaldo, for one thing...

166. The La Liga title race is now wide open again - it's a huge win for Barca. It, of course, makes the next Clasico (April 22nd) a huge event, too.

167. Thanks for joining me tonight everyone and, as much fun as it's been, it's time to get back to work. Thanks again, and goodnight.

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