Result: Real Madrid 2-1 FC Barcelona
Date: 10 April 2021
Venue: Estadio Alfredo di Stefano
Real Madrid claimed the bragging rights in El Clasico after defeating rivals FC Barcelona to move top of LaLiga on Saturday night.
Antoine Griezmann was only name on the Blaugrana bench as Ronald Koeman recalled Ronald Araujo while Zinedine Zidane recalled Federico Valverde to the midfield at the expense of Marco Asensio.
The home side picked up from where they left off against Liverpool in midweek as Karim Benzema opened the scoring on 13 minutes with a superb flick from Lucas Vazquez's cross.
While Barcelona struggled to carve out chances, Los Blancos went on to double their lead in the 28th minute through Toni Kroos' free-kick that deflected off two players before sailing into the back of the net.
The advantage could have been extended five minutes later when Valverde was slipped through on the right but he struck his shot against the upright before Ter Stegen denied Vazquez on the rebound.
With Barcelona struggling to carve out chances, Koeman introduced Griezmann at the start of the second half for Sergino Dest.
The Frenchman made his presence felt as his dummy on the hour mark allowed Oscar Minguez to volley home Jordi Alba's cross to reduce the deficit.
Zidane went for a surprise triple substitution to close out the clash, as Mariano Diaz, Marcelo and Isco replaced Benzema, Vinicius and Kroos on 73 minutes.
The home side were forced to finish the game with 10 men after Casemiro picked up two yellow cards in quick succession and was given his march orders on 90 minutes.
Nevertheless, Los Blancos were able to weather the storm in the latter stages of the second to secure three points to move top of the league.
