Madrid: Defending champions Barcelona recovered from an early goal to get the better of bitter rivals Real Madrid 3-1 in the seventh and final Clasico of 2011.
Jose Mourinho's men took the lead after only 22 seconds when Karim Benzema grabbed the quickest goal in Clasico history. The home side were pegged back on the half hour mark when Alexis Sanchez grabbed an equaliser in his first league appearance against Madrid.
A Xavi volley took a fortuitous deflection off Marcelo to give the visitors the lead. Cesc Fabregas' header finished off a wonderful team move in the 66th minute in what proved to be the fixture's final strike.
The victory sends Barcelona level on points with Jose Mourinho's men and to the top of the Liga table due to their superior head-to-head record against Madrid, who have a game in hand.
In one of the most astonishing starts in the history of Clasicos, Real Madrid were a goal to the good within 22 seconds. Victor Valdes' poor clearance allowed Angel Di Maria to drill the ball into the penalty area only to be thwarted by Sergio Busquets. Mesut Ozil's attempted volley deflected off Busquets into the path of Karim Benzema who fired home six yards from goal.
Madrid were left to rue opportunities to double their lead when Barcelona drew level on the half hour mark with Messi playing his part. The 24-year-old bypassed several challenges before sliding a weighted through ball to Alexis Sanchez who calmly slotted past Casillas from the edge of the area to bring his side back into the game and on level terms at the break.
After a edgy opening to the second period, Barcelona were handed the lead thanks to a lucky break on 53 minutes. Xavi's volley 20 metres from goal took a massive deflection off Marcelo, fooling a wrong-footed Casillas as the ball spinned off the post and into the back of the net.
The visitors extended their lead in the 66th minute after a breathtaking counter-attacking move. Messi slid the ball out to the right for Dani Alves to whip a beautiful cross towards the back-post where an unmarked Cesc Fabregas was on cue to head the ball into the far corner in what was to be the final goal of the encounter.
Next up for Real Madrid is a trip to Ponferradina on Tuesday as they look to defend their Copa del Rey title. Barcelona now head to Japan where they will feature in the Club World Cup. Their first task will be a semi-final meeting against either Esperance or Al Sadd on Thursday.
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