Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid: Ronaldo the match-winner asJose Mourinho's side take significant step towards La Liga title
The race for the title is well and truly in the hands of the capital outfit, after an inspiredperformance to clinch victory in the Classico and open up a seven point lead
By Keeghann Sinanan
Apr 21, 2012 8:53:00 PM

The Catalans had their struggles defending set pieces against Chelsea, and so it proved again. Pepe rose highest to get his head to a corner, which was spilled by Valdes, allowing Khedira just enough time toevade the attentions of Carles Puyol and poke the rebound home.
However, Barca should havebeen level after 26 minutes. An exceptional through passfrom Lionel Messi released Xavi on goal, but the midfielder dragged his finish wide with only Casillas to beat.
Both sides continued to provide an entertaining spectacle, despite heavy rainfall in the latter stages of the half. A moment of magic on the right from Ozil nearly carved Barca apart, but Javier Mascherano put ina superb challenge to halt the German from point blank range just before the break.
Barca continued their quest for an equaliser after the restart, but were guilty of another glaring miss. A defence-splitting pass from Thiago Alcantara put Tello clean through, but his first-time finish was woeful, and sent into orbit.
Pep Guardiola’s men continued to keep Madrid penned back in their own half, but for the second time in a week, a determined rear-guard effort made chances hard to come by. With 68 minutes gone, Xavi flashed a long range effort just wide with his last contribution of the game, as he was taken off for Sanchez.
The substitution proved to be a masterstroke, as withintwo minutes, Sanchez put the hosts back on terms. Tello’s shot was stopped initially by Casillas, cueing a penalty-box scramble that ended when the Chilean squeezed the ball home nearthe goalline after another save by Casillas
Madrid’s response was instant. A breathtaking pass from Ozil caught the Barca defence out and released Ronaldo , who accelerated away from the onrushing Valdes and fired home from a tricky angle.
Mourinho’s game plan was simple thereafter, and the visitors were able to hold onto their advantage, defending in numbers and holding onto possession withpurpose as they frustrated Barca, and claimed a devastating three points in the title race.
Both sides will look to regaintheir focus, with deficits to overcome in their ChampionsLeague semi-final second-leg matchups midweek. Barcawelcome Chelsea on Tuesday, while Madrid entertain Bayern the following day.