Real Madrid outpower Barcelona 3-1 in first El Clasico of LaLiga 2022-23

MADRID: Real Madrid sealed a thumping 3-1 win at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday over arch-rivals Barcelona in the 250th El Clasico to go on top of LaLiga. 

Barcelona tasted their first defeat in the ongoing LaLiga season and slipped to the second spot after staying at the top over the week.

The reigning champions dominated the game as they took an early 2-0 lead thanks to the superb strikes by Karim Benzema and Federico Valverde.

Barca retaliated as Ferran Torres scored a late goal while Rodrygo furthered the lead with a penalty in stoppage time.

Following the sensational win, Madrid maintained their unbeaten record in LaLiga, with eight wins and a draw and went three points clear of the arch-rival Barca.

Benzema ended his five games goal drought as he opened the scoring for Real in the 12th minute after Vincous Jr’s effort got blocked by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Madrid doubled their lead 10 minutes before the break when Valverde found himself in space outside of the box and steered a fine finish past Ter Stegen.

Valverde doubled the lead with a fine touch from outside of the box, 10 minutes before halftime.

With only 10 minutes left, Barca scored a consoling goal through substitute Torres following a skilful display from Ansu Fati and Robert Lewandowski but Sergio Busquets’ tackle in the 90th minute awarded Rodrygo a penalty.

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