Ronaldo winner ends Barcelona’s 39-game unbeaten run

Cristiano Ronaldo struck the winner as 10-man Real Madrid came from behind to end Barcelona’s 39-game unbeaten run with a 2-1 win in El Clasico at the Camp Nou, here.

Gerard Pique’s towering header on Saturday put the hosts in front on the night they honoured legendary former player and coach Johan Cruyff.

Yet, Karim Benzema quickly levelled before Ronaldo fired home five minutes from time after Madrid captain Sergio Ramos had seen the 21st red card of his career.

Victory reduces Barca’s lead over third-placed Madrid to seven points with seven games remaining. Atletico Madrid closed the gap on the leaders to six points with a 5-1 thrashing of Real Betis earlier on Saturday. “I liked everything from my players both defensively and offensively against a great team with very good players,” said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane after a successful first Clasico in charge. “When I see the team like this, fighting for their teammates, it is the best thing for a coach.”  There was an emotive homage to Cruyff before kick-off with over 90,000 fans holding up a display reading “Thank you Johan” alongside a Barca jersey with the number 14 the Dutch great adorned during his playing career.

Yet, it was a sad end to a spectacular run for the European champions as they tasted defeat for the first time since losing at Sevilla in October.

“Their first goal damaged us and disorientated us and caught us out of position,” said Barca coach Luis Enrique. “One day it had to happen and it happened today. Now we have to prepare for the Champions League, rest and keep going.”  Barca started by far the better and only an incredible miss by Luis Suarez let Madrid off the hook on 10 minutes. Neymar unselfishly squared for his Uruguayan strike partner, but Suarez failed to make any connection from his low cross with the goal at his mercy.