Real Madrid smash Barca in Clasico - Title race back on!

With their star Cristiano Ronaldo looking on from the bench, wrapped in cotton wool nursing the reoccurrence of an injury sustained weeks earlier, Real Madrid were given little chance of stopping the juggernaut that is Barcelona so far this season.

Prior to the Clasico, Barcelona have been unbeaten, showing the same resilience and at times brilliance that led them to the La Liga title last season.

Real Madrid on the other hand, haven't been at their best leading into this encounter. Poor form and injuries in the early rounds have come at a cost for the star studded ensemble, already suffering defeat and two draws this season.
This Clasico would prove crucial - either giving Barcelona a chance to extend to a lead of 8 points atop the league ladder, or give Real Madrid a chance to claw back to within 2.

As has been the case already this season, it would be Gareth Bale who would step up in the absence of Ronaldo, with Bale setting up the first goal for James Rodriquez through sheer determination and skill and then adding a second goal himself after exposing and embarrassing brittle Barcelona defence once again.

Karim Benzema would later add a third goal to virtually kill off the game before half time but not before Man of the match Gareth Bale suffered an injury which would later see him play little part in the 2nd half and later replaced.

Barca showed some fight in the 2nd period, and a goal to Gerard Pique gave the visitors some hope, but it wasn't to be.
Real Madrid fully deserving of a memorable Clasico victory and declaring the title race back on.

Gareth Bale in a Man of the Match performance scores in the Clasico