Barcelona 1 - 0 Real Madrid Highlights & Photos

Substitute Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored four minutes after coming in as a substitute to lead his team Barcelona to a 1-0 victory against arch rivals. Real Madrid in the Spanish Classic.

Earlier barcelona’s defense had denied Gonzalo Higuain effort, and minutes later a delightful Daniel Alves cross found Ibrahimovic at the far post with a lofted cross in the 56^th minute. The Swedish striker never broke stride as he volleyed past Iker Casillas with his left foot.

Barca survived to secure a victory even after Sergio Busquets was sent off after 62 minutes for a second yellow card.

Ealier Real Madrid’s Christiano Ronaldo had a great chance in the 20^th minute but he missed out on it as it was denied by Victor Valdes.Karim Benzema, Ronaldo’s replacement fired over the top with only Victor to beat in the 80^th minute.

Now, with a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid, Barcelona leads the standings with 30 points, over taking Madrid who are on 28.

Karim Benzema : We're going to Nou Camp to win

Karim Benzema used to watch the Clasico as a fan in France, and now the striker is on the verge of playing in his first match in the Camp Nou as a Madridista.

"It's a huge match that is watched around the world and it has everyone on their feet. The Clasico I remember most was when Ronaldo lobbed the ball over Valdes."

"I can feel the big day draw closer. We have to keep the ball away from them and attack. If you limit yourself to playing back, you lose. We need to take the initiative and dictate the pace. We must dominate possession. We cannot be afraid and must take risks from the start."


"Xavi and Iniesta dictate how the team plays and the rhythm of the game."

"I want to play well and score or provide an assist. The two are equally important. I can play as a striker or just behind the striker. But wen I play in a more advanced position, Pellegrini wants me to move around more, to make my way to the wings and to do what I do best when I get the ball."

"I don't know what the final score will be, but I hope we win."

Cristiano Ronaldo is out of Portugal team due to his ankle injury

Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of Portugal's World Cup play-off against Bosnia-Herzegovina due to his ankle injury. The Portuguese football federation had been hoping to have the winger available for the two-legged tie, despite his club Real Madrid claiming he was not fit enough to take part.

Ronaldo travelled to Lisbon today to undergo tests with the Portugal medical team, who subsequently ruled the player out of the tie. "Cristiano was in Lisbon on Tuesday," Portugal's football federation said this evening. "The player is not in good enough physical condition to train with the squad ahead of the play-offs."

Ronaldo has not played for Madrid since their Champions League tie against Marseille on 30 September. He did appear for Portugal in their final World Cup qualification group game against Hungary on 10 October, but limped off early as his side secured a 3-0 win to ensure their play-off spot.

Madrid had earlier voiced their objection to the player leaving for national duty.

Portugal's coach, Carlos Queiroz, defended his decision to ask Ronaldo to return to Portugal for assessment. "Based on the rules and principles governing clubs and associations, we have put Cristiano in the squad," he told the Portuguese sports daily A Bola. "Of course, I welcome that these principles have been met. I have always said that this is a technical decision and that everyone must be observed before being cleared to play.

"Cristiano and everyone will be observed. Our medical team are competent and responsible, and you will see what happens. I do not understand the nervousness in some sectors. It is a decision that is non-negotiable, unavoidable, a decision that protects the interests of the player.

"I was coach of Real. The club deserves respect; I know the medical team, president and CEO. I have every respect for that club. But this fact cannot compel me to put any club below or above the others. All clubs and players deserve equal treatment."

Portugal were drawn to play Bosnia-Herzegovina in the play-off with the first leg to be played in Leiria on Saturday.