Captain Sergio Ramos scored a stoppage-time equaliser
to extend Real Madrid's unbeaten start to the season and deny Barcelona victory
in a bad-tempered El Clasico.
Luis Suarez's glancing header from Neymar's
left-wing free-kick put Barcelona ahead at the Nou Camp.But in a frantic ending, Cristiano Ronaldo went
close before Ramos headed home Luka Modric's free-kick to earn a point for Zinedine
Zidane's La Liga leaders.
Leaders Real remain six points clear of defending
champions Barca after 14 matches. Barca
were moments away from reducing the gap to three points when Real captain Ramos
pounced to make it 33 games without defeat for his side. Real are approaching the winter break in the driving
seat, Barca having gone three matches without a league win.
Barca forward Neymar, who was one of six players
booked, will be suspended for next Saturday's match at Osasuna. The hosts started slowly and managed only one
attempt on goal - a Lionel Messi free-kick was comfortably gathered by Keylor
Navas - in a scrappy first half.
In contrast, Ronaldo had three attempts in the
opening 45 minutes as Luka Modric dominated for Real in midfield.
While far from their fluid best, Barca were better
after the break and went in front when Raphael Varane conceded a free-kick just
outside his area and Suarez nodded home from close range. Messi, who has now gone six games without
scoring against Real in all competitions, missed a great chance to double the
lead after a lovely pass from substitute Andres Iniesta, on his return from
injury, before Ramos had the final say.
The 30-year-old defender is establishing a
reputation for scoring crucial late goals in big games.
Ramos scored a 93rd-minute equaliser against
Atletico Madrid to send the 2014 Champions League final into extra time before
Real won. He also forced extra time with a stoppage-time
equaliser in the 2016 Super Cup final, which Real also went on to win. This was
a big test of character for Zidane and his players, and they emerged from it
undamaged despite the absence of Gareth Bale, who continues his recovery from
an ankle injury. Real have taken 87 points from a possible 102 since
Zidane took charge in January, including four from two games at the Nou Camp.
This draw was based on a steely determination and
never-say-die spirit which was missing before Zidane's arrival. His tactics worked a treat as Real nullified Barca's
attacking threat in the first half, with Modric influential in central midfield
alongside Mateo Kovacic on the left and Isco on the right.
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