Half-Time Report: All square between Real Madrid, Barcelona

Real Madrid and Barcelona have ended the first half with one goal apiece in this afternoon's La Liga encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The hosts took the lead with six minutes on the clock as Karim Benzema pounced in the area to convert Alvaro Morata's deep cross.

Barca responded well and they got themselves level on 19 minutes when Lionel Messi turned Raphael Varane before firing in.

The goal was yet another landmark for the striker as he became the first player in Spanish league history to score in 16 consecutive games.

Messi flashed an effort narrowly wide of the post moments later before the Argentine was hustled off the ball in the area following an error from Sergio Ramos.

Despite the dominance of the visitors in possession, Madrid almost snatched a second goal in the final minutes of the half when Morata headed Kaka's cross wide.