Barcelona fight back in El Clasico to clinch top spot

Barcelona overcame the shock of conceding a goal after just 23 seconds to defeat bitter rivals Real Madrid 3-1 on Saturday in the first El Clasico of La Liga season and take top spot.

French striker Karim Benzema scored the early goal to give Real a 1-0 lead after a terrible clearance from Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

Alexis Sanchez, who was chosen ahead of David Villa, levelled in the 30th minute after a sublime through ball from Lionel Messi. A drive from Xavi in the 53rd minute took a wicked deflection off Marcelo and beyond the desperate reach of Iker Casillas in the Real goal as Barcelona went into a 2-1 lead.

Cesc Fabregas added the third in the 65th minute, scoring with a diving header from a fine cross by Dani Alves. It was the former Arsenal man's 10th league goal of the campaign.

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