Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both scored twice as Barcelona and Real Madrid shared the points in a 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp.
It was Madrid that struck the first blow of the match when Ronaldo opened the scoring after 23 minutes, but Barcelona were level less than 10 minutes later when Messi converted from close range.
Messi sent Barcelona into the lead with a free kick just past the hour mark, but Ronaldo took his tally to eight goals in his last three games with a leveller five minutes later.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two La Liga rivals.
Match statistics:
Barcelona:
Shots 8
On target 2
Possession 70%
Corners 7
Fouls 17
Real Madrid:
Shots 8
On target 3
Possession 30%
Corners 2
Fouls 16
Was the result fair?
On the balance of play, you would have to say yes. It was Madrid that started the match the stronger and they deserved to take the lead. Barcelona levelled against the run of play, but both sides had good chances to add to their tally. The home side were always going to dominate possession, with Madrid shaping their threat on the counter. It was such an even contest.
Barcelona's performance
7/10. Still not as free-flowing as they have been in previous seasons, but when you have someone like Messi in your team, you don't always have to rely on wonderful football. They had plenty of possession but did not create many chances of note. That said, they sit top of La Liga with six wins and one draw from seven games. Not a bad start!
Real Madrid's performance
8/10. Madrid were really impressive this evening. They were set up perfectly to play against Barcelona – allowing them possession and hitting them on the counter. Pepe and Sergio Ramos were both immense in defence. Meanwhile, Ronaldo scored yet another brace to continue his fine scoring run against Barcelona.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Cristiano Ronaldo: It could only be between Messi and Ronaldo, but I am giving it to Ronaldo based on the way he pulled his side back into the match. The Portuguese striker has scored eight goals in his last three games and showed what a stunning footballer he is with two top-class finishes this evening.
Biggest gaffe of the match
Mesut Ozil hitting the post in the opening period. Madrid had just taken the lead through Ronaldo when the German was presented with the ball in front of goal, but he passed up the chance of a two-goal lead as he struck the post from close range.
Referee performance
Carlos Delgado Ferreiro kept hold of proceedings throughout the 90 minutes, but was guilty of being picky in the latter stages of the opening half. Meanwhile, he perhaps should have dismissed Xabi Alonso for a host of fouls in the second period.
What next?
Barcelona: The Catalan club will attempt to return to winning ways when they face Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga on October 21.
Real Madrid: Madrid will attempt to continue their fine run of form when they welcome Celta Vigo in La Liga on October 21.
Matt Law
