Real Madrid edge out Barcelona to go top of La Liga

Benzema’s winner takes Real Madrid to top of the Spanish football league with city rivals Atletico set to play on Sunday.

Real Madrid have moved top of La Liga after Karim Benzema’s flicked finish helped them claim a thrilling 2-1 victory over Barcelona in a wild Clasico at Valdebebas. Benzema’s superb piece of skill and a deflected Toni Kroos free-kick put Madrid in charge and while Oscar Mingueza pulled one back for Barca, they fell to defeat in what could be Lionel Messi’s final appearance in this fixture. Saturday’s victory means Real Madrid go level on points with Atletico but lead the table on superior head-to-head results.