Barcelona extend the gap between them and Real Madrid to six points by winning the first of this year's league El Clasicos. Both sides started their major signings; Bale and Neymar, but it was the young Brazilian who made his mark on the game. Neymar put Barca on the score sheet in the first half, with Sanchez coming on as a substitute to score in the second. Madrid youngster Jese Rodriguez nicked one back late on.

The game started with the home side dominating the possession and territory, attempting to use the ball deep in Madrid half, but to no avail. It was clear that Real Madrid had turned up for a physical battle when Sergio Ramos was selected to play as defensive midfielder. Ramos made sure his opposite numbers knew they were in for a tough match through hard tackles, which inevitably led to an early booking.

It was clear that Carlo Ancelotti had set his side up to stop Barcelona's play and hit them on the counter attack; but they never managed to create anything with speed and purpose, which was to the delight of the home fans. 

There has been and will always be a match up between the two new number 11's at each club; Brazilian wonder-kid Neymar moved to the Camp Nou this summer while Welsh powerhouse Gareth Bale moved to the Spanish capital for a world record fee. However, it was the Brazilian who looked the better player; always wanting to find space and take players on.

He did just that after Iniesta picked the ball up and weaved to the edge of the box. The Spanish midfielder played the ball out to Neymar on the left of the box, who then, with a slight deflection on the way through, slotted the ball into the far corner. 

Barcelona could have made it two very shortly after when Messi was played in one on one with Lopez in goal. From the right of the box he tried to use his magical left foot to curl it in the far post but failed. 

Real Madrid had a great chance to equalise just before half time when Ronaldo was found wide left. He took on his man and played a great low cross into the box. Khedira was bursting in and got to the cross, but unluckily hit Valdes' leg from close range.

After the break; both sides tried to trouble the oppositions goalkeeper, with Ronaldo forcing a strong save from Valdes after Modric played him into the box; and Neymar having a good attempt at a first time volley from a ball over the top. 

But it wasn't long before we got a big penalty shout for Real Madrid. Ronaldo collected a through ball in the box only for Mascherano make contact with his back. Ronaldo fell to the floor only to be waved on by referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco. The decision appears to be correct, but will cause debate for days to come.

Madrid substitute Benzema almost made an immediate impact when he picked the ball up 25- yards out and hit a superb shot that smack the crossbar, very unlucky not to have gone in. But it was Barcelona substitute who scored a screamer. Messi played a through ball to Alexis Sanchez running towards the edge of the box. Madrid defender Varane kept up with the Barca winger, who then cut back and produced a supreme chip from outside the box to lob Lopez on the six yard box.

Real Madrid got a slight hint of hope when Ronaldo burst through from the half way line passing the Barca defenders. He then played a sqaure ball to Jese Rodriguez who drove into the box and hit a hard and low shot past Victor Valdes. 

This is a big way in regards to the La Liga title, with Madrid dropping further behind their arch rivals. Ancelotti knows he has got some work to do.