EL CLASICO: Bar�a Stun Madrid 3 - 1...To Go Top Of La Liga

So, all the talk before the 216th El Clasico game about how rampant Real Madrid might potentially open up a six point gap in the title race with a game in hand, has whittled into thin air after 90minutes of soccer fiesta. Initially, it didn't look good for Barcelona when they went behind after 22 seconds. But the Catalans responded in the manner of true champions. They came from behind to stun their arch-rivals in the 216th Clasico and replace their rivals at the top of La Liga; and it's back to the drawing-board for Jos� Mourinho. It was the anticipation of many that the two best football teams in the stratosphere will collide in an explosive extravaganza of sporting brilliance. It was a very interesting game though, perhaps not quite the quality of football some expected. In the first half, Real Madrid seem somehow fitter and quicker than last season, and were harrying Bar�a all over the pitch. Xavi's deflected strike put Bar�a ahead before Cesc Fabregas completed the triumph with a diving header. The result sees Pep Guardiola's men go level on points with Real, but the Catalans have a superior goal difference. Real still have that game in hand but pre-match talk of the tide turning at the summit of Spanish football appears misguided. Bar�a are now unbeaten in six visits to the Santiago Bernabeu in all competitions and seven matches against Real. The Catalans looked out of sorts and were obviously delighted to come in on level terms. Hosts Real arrived three points ahead of Bar�a with a game in hand and took the lead inside 23 seconds through Karim Benzema's close-range finish. Goalkeeper Victor Valdes was at fault but his blushes were spared by Alexis Sanchez's drilled equaliser.