It was an emotional start to the El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou on Saturday as both clubs united to pay tribute to
ADVERTISEMENTIt was an emotional start to the El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou on Saturday as both clubs united to pay tribute to footballing legend and former Barca player and coach Johan Cruyff who died of lung cancer at the end of last month.
After the minute’s silence the noise at the ground returned to the usual high decibel level as hostilities on the pitch began.
Neither side could break the deadlock in the first half but 11 minutes after the break Gerard Pique headed in to give the home side the lead.
Seven minutes later it was all square again courtesy of a delightful Karim Benzema scissor kick.
Gareth Bale had a goal harshly ruled out and Real were also reduced to ten men when skipper Sergio Ramos was sent off for two bookings.
But the capital club still came away with victory when Cristiano Ronaldo hit a fine winner five minutes from time.
It was the Portuguese international’s 42nd goal of the season and it ended Barcelona’s 39-match unbeaten run.