Cristiano Ronaldo scored late for 10-man Real Madrid to snatch a 2-1 comeback win at Barcelona.
The evening started with a moving pre-match tribute to the late Johan Cruyff but not much of exciting football was seen in the first half.
Barcelona’s Gerard Pique opened the scoring in the 56th minute, slipping away from Pepe to send a thumping header into the net from Rakitic’s right-wing delivery.
Karim Benzema equalized six minutes later. He acrobatically volleied home after the ball had deflected off Jordi Alba in a move that started with Madrid full-back Marcelo.
Ronaldo slotted in the winner in the 85th, moments after Madrid’s Sergio Ramos received a second booking for diving in on Suarez.
The three-time Ballon d’Or winner chested down Bale’s deep right-wing cross at the back post and buried the ball beyond Bravo.
Madrid remained in third place, one point behind Atletico Madrid after its 5-1 win over Real Betis, reducing the deficit with Barcelona to seven points with seven rounds left.
Madrid’s first win at Camp Nou since 2013 also ended Barcelona’s Spanish record unbeaten streak at 39 games across all competitions.
