La Liga
Result: Real Madrid 3-1 Barcelona
Date: 25 October 2014
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu
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Cristiano Ronaldo was on song as Real Madrid reigned supreme against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday. Ronaldo was all over the pitch throughout the game and was involved in creating many of the hosts' chances while also picking up a goal for himself. The Catalans struck home first as they took the lead in the fourth minute of the game. A crossfield pass from Luis Suarez to Neymar set up the Brazilian to chest it down and finish with a low shot past Iker Casillas. At the other end, Real came close to equalising when Ronaldo crossed for Karim Benzema, but the Frenchman could only hit the woodwork with a strong header. Barcelona had a good chance in the 24th minute when Suarez played in a low cross behind the defence for Lionel Messi, but the Argentine duffed his shot from 4 yards out. The momentum swung in the 35th minute as Real started to take control. Marcelo won a penalty for the home side when Gerard Piquet fouled him in the area and Ronaldo did the rest, scoring his 11th goal in 11 consecutive games. It could have been 2-1 before the break when James Rodriguez was provided with a free header from 10 yards, but he made poor contact with it. The second came nonetheless five minutes into the second half. A majestic, swerving corner kick from Toni Kroos found Pepe who rocketed home his headed finish. Just past the hour mark, the Galacticos were virtually home and dry. A mistake by the usually infallible Andres Iniesta gave Isco the ball. He in turn played it on for Ronaldo who combined with Rodriguez to set up Benzema's cool strike into the corner of the goal. The third goal seemed to deflate the visiting players and Real were growing in confidence as their rivals faded. Messi attempted to create something out of nothing on occasion but lacked that final touch needed to break down the stolid Real defence. The hosts cruised to victory in the end, closing the gap to the La Liga leaders to a single point.
