Barça finally break Madrid resistance

FC Barcelona defeated their great rivals Real Madrid CF 2-0 to take 'El Clásico' bragging rights and put 12 points between the two sides in the Spanish Liga.

Late strikes
Two late goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi secured the win in what was Juande Ramos's first domestic game as Madrid coach. Away goalkeeper Iker Casillas had done his utmost to keep the Catalans at bay, saving a second-half Eto'o penalty and producing some sensational stops but was undone in the end.

Heavy pressure
Barcelona put the visitors under huge pressure in the first 20 minutes with Messi to the fore. The Argentinian had a cross-shot parried by Casillas and was then denied by a last-ditch Fabio Cannavaro challenge after a slick one-two with Eto'o. However, it was Madrid who had the first-half's best chance when Royston Drenthe out-paced Daniel Alves and was clean through but could not beat home keeper Víctor Valdés.

Casillas heroics
The second half followed a similar pattern with waves of Barça attacks repelled by Madrid's back line. In the 69th minute it looked as if the home side had finally found the breakthrough as Míchel Salgado blocked off substitute Sergi Busquets in the area and Barcelona were awarded a penalty. However, Casillas guessed right to turn aside Eto'o's penalty and the Spain No1 then made a superb double-save two minutes later, foiling the Cameroonian once again.

Double strike
Barcelona were not to be denied, though, and Eto'o finally broke the deadlock seven minutes from time, jabbing in Carles Puyol's knockdown from close range. Thierry Henry then raced clear in added time and fed Messi who lifted his finish over Casillas, Cannavaro unable to hook the ball clear before it crossed the line.

Valencia second
In the day's other game, Valencia CF beat RCD Espanyol 2-1. Román Martínez gave the visitors the lead in the 29th minute but they were down to ten men soon after when Francisco Rufete received his marching orders. Raúl Albiol levelled matters just before the hour mark and Vicente Rodríguez won his side – who move into second in the standings – the points nine minutes from time.