Inconveniently, Messi picked up an early yellow card for handball, and in quite disgraceful fashion many Real players looked to exaggerate any further offences commit by Leo in an attempt to get him sent off. Whilst Barcelona had the majority of possession in this period, Real Madrid played with great intent in the final third without ever troubling goalkeeper Valdes.
However, it was the Argentine who opened the scoring on 33 minutes. Moments after he was taken out off the ball, he played a delightful one-two with Xavi, collecting the ball in the penalty area on his chest, holding off a challenge from Albiol and he finished calmly with his weaker right foot! This saw Barcelona take a 1-0 lead in at half-time.
The second half saw a deflated Real Madrid create astonishingly little in terms of chances, and an the hour another wonderful pass from Xavi played Pedro in on goal, with the striker able to race clear of Arbeloa and calmly slotting home in the far corner to double the Barcelona lead.
Iker Casillas denied Messi on a further two occasions as Xavi ruled the game in the midfield. Raul had a strike disallowed, but Barcelona were comfortable in securing victory to move them three points clear in the championship race.
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