Real Madrid Vs Barcelona Highlights: Real stave off late fightback, beat Barca 3-1 in first El Clasico of the season

Well that penalty was the death knell for any fightback that Barca were trying to stage. Just about two minutes of stoppage time and so not much happened after Rodrygo scored. Barcelona started this match as unbeaten league leaders, they end it second on the table three points behind Real having lost a match for the first time this season. Couple that with whatever happened in the Champions League and this has not been a great week for the Catalonians. 

Hit to the left of Ter Stegen who goes the right way but can't save it. Real Madrid 3-1 Barcelona (Rodrygo 90+1' pen)

Well that could be the end of the match now. The referee had not given the call initially thinking Rodrygo could be off side but VAR steps in and he changes his decision after taking a look at the pitch-side monitor. 

Ansu Fati is the instigator here. He speeds down to the byline on the left flank and squares the ball, Lewandowski is there but he lets it roll past him, leaving the whole Real Madrid defence wrong footed and Torres is at the far post to guide into goal. There is life in this game yet. Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona (Ferran Torres 84')

The youngster goes for it from long range and forces what has to be the first real save from Lunin in this half. 78' gone, Real 2-0 Barca

Lewandowski brought down in the box, referee immediately says no penalty. That looked a very tight call but it seems the VAR has found no issues in that tackle. It has been that kind of an evening for Barcelona. 74' gone, Real 2-0 Barca

Modric skips past two players, cuts in from the right and sends in a cross that Ter Stegen claws away. Who can say the man is 37 years old.

Barca make three substitutions! Jordi Alba, Gavi, Torres come in for Balde, Busquets and Raphinha.

Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona, 60:00

Vinicius puts in a long pass for Benzema, who is near the Barca box. He shoots and sees it go past Ter Stegen! WHAT A STRIKE! SCREAMER! HE RUNS TO CELEBRATE! OH WAIT! ITS OFFSIDE!

Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona, 51:24

Benzema delicately cuts it back for Kroos after surging in from the left-flank. The German's first-touch effort goes wide!

Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona, 50:03

Madrid get the second half underway, with a 2-0 lead. Barca have a huge task in this half.

Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona, 45:00

Its half-time and Madrid go back to the dugout with a 2-0 lead vs Barca, thanks to goals from Benzema (12') and Valverde (35').

Benzema latched onto a block from Ter Stegen to give Madrid an early lead. Meanwhile, Valverde scored a stunning goal from outside the box!

Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona, HT

Balde crosses from the left flank to the far post and Busquets heads it back in for Lewandowski. Militao comfortable stops the danger and its a goal kick!

Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona, 42:19

Vinicius is 1v1 with Kounde after being played through but suddenly there are many players, so he passes it. It gets laid down to Valverde, who comes rushing in to the edge of the Barca box. He shoots with such power, it surges past Ter Stegen towards the bottom left corner!

Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona, 34:20

Excellent cross from Raphinha, who is in the right-side of the Madrid box. It goes past everyone and Lewandowski, who is possibly offside, slides to get a touch and tips it over the goal! WHAT A CHANCE!

Real Madrid 1-0 Barcelona, 24:55

Madrid are controlling the game, not enough chances for Barcelona right now. They haven't been able to use Lewandowski yet. Also, Barcelona are trying to play from the back, but its not working out for them. Madrid have been good defensively!

Real Madrid 1-0 Barcelona, 21:46

Real counter on the break as Kroos tries to release Vinicius, who surges into the box. Ter Stegen parries his effort but Benzema is there to drive it home from 15 yards!!!!

GOLAZOOO!

Real Madrid 1-0 Barcelona, 11:58

Raphinha gets the ball in the right-flank. He cuts in and shoots from outside the box. The goalkeeper comfortably holds it. Good try by the Brazilian. He scored against Madrid in their pre-season friendly. Good work by De Jong in this play.

Real Madrid 0-0 Barcelona, 4:19

Real Madrid are spraying the ball around and trying cement their early domination. The ball goes to Vinicius near the Barcelona box in the left flank. Kounde tackles him and it goes for goal-kick.

Real Madrid 0-0 Barcelona, 1:29

The match gets underway! Barcelona are on top and Real Madrid are second. It will be a key clash tonight!

Both teams arrive to the pitch for the kick-off formalities!

Real Madrid have won 54 La Liga El Clasicos at home in 92 matches, with Barcelona grabbing 23 away victories. The last time Barcelona won at Madrid's home was in 2019 when Rakitic scored the solitary goal in a 1-0 win.

Ahead of the match, Barcelona manager Xavi decided to inspect the grass. Real Madrid will be trying their best to spoil Barcelona's way of play! Here is the video:

Among active players in La Liga, Benzema is the highest El Clasico goal-scorer with 11 goals and sixth-highest overall. Meanwhile, Lewandowski, who is in his debut La Liga campaign, has scored nine goals and leads the Pichichi race.

If Barcelona win today, Busquets will level Francisco Gento (21 wins in 42 games) with most Clasico wins as a player. He is also making his 44th appearance in a Clasico meeting in his career. This puts him in second-spot behind joint record-holder Messi and Ramos.