La Liga: FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid CF - Five things we learned from the game

Real wins game 2-1, despite going down a goal behind and reduced to 10 men.

New Delhi: It would have only taken Real Madrid to break a stupendous unbeaten run of Barcelona and that happened on an emotional night at the Nou Camp in the season's second El Clasico in La Liga.

On the night there were tributes to the late legendary figure Johan Cruyff, as the fans glittered across the stadium making it a spectacle on football's biggest night on club level. Cristiano Ronaldo helped Real Madrid breathe life into their faint hopes of challenging the Catalans the title. 

Atletico Madrid were the big gainers of the night after they romped to a 5-1 victory over Real Betis earlier and cut the lead to just six points.

Gerard Pique opened the scoring for Barcelona before the controversial Karim Benzema equalised for the visitors. Ronaldo then calmly slotted the winner to help Real avenge their earlier 0-4 loss this season under former manager Rafa Benitez.

Here are the five things we learned from the EL Clasico.

Real were the better side on the night: Real's coach and former player Zidane got things right with his tactics and Real were the better team on the night. They took their chances and were alert as an unit to close down Barca and press the game. Barca had their chances but Real shut them out for major portions of the game.

BBC trump MSN: The trio of Real Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo known as the BBC, trumped their Barca counterparts Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. Benzema scored a superb goal in a crucial time before Ronaldo hit the winner. Also Bale scored a goal but it was ruled out as a foul but in reality it wasn't.

Ronaldo shines bright: Cristiano Ronaldo extended his lead as La Liga`s top scorer with his 43rd goal of the season and looked lively and committed in the field. He was also seen doing defensive duties when required and dictated the play to a large extend. Ronaldo showed remarkable composure to take down Gareth Bale`s cross before slotting past Barca goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

Ramos, Pepe need to show maturity: The duo are the senior most players at Real and despite their experience, they were callous at times in this intense affair. Ramos made two poor tackles and was sent off. He was lucky it wasn't earlier as 25th minute in the match, as the referee overlooked his foul. Pepe was himself in the tie after play-acting and making unnecessary challenges. Real defence was strong on the night overall with Marcelo impressing.

Zidane is Real's key to success: Real should hold on to their former player and club legend Zidane for a long time as possible. The Frenchman is the right man who understands the club and its values from the crux and he showed he is ideal for the big stage. Zidane's tactical prowess was effective and his side were strong defensively and in midfield. Real would have won on counter and Zidane's decision was a positive one.