iBasam: sport

Real Madrid scored late to deny Barcelona victory in an ill-tempered #ElClasico

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<div class="sp-story-body__introduction">
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.</div>
Luis Suarez's glancing header from Neymar's left-wing free-kick put Barcelona ahead at the Nou Camp.<br />
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.<br />
Real remain six points clear of defending champions Barca after 14 matches.<br />
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.<br />
Real are approaching the winter break in the driving seat, Barca having gone three matches with a league win.<br />
Barca forward Neymar, who was one of six players booked, will be suspended for next Saturday's match at Osasuna. <br />
<h3 class="sp-story-body__cross-head">
Barca pay the price for late lapse</h3>
The
 hosts started slowly and managed only one attempt on goal - a Lionel 
Messi free-kick was comfortably gathered by Keylor Navis - in a scrappy 
first half.<br />
In contrast, Ronaldo had three attempts in the opening 45 minutes as Luka Modric dominated for Real in midfield.<br />
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 Neymar nodded home from close range.<br />
Messi 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.<br />
<h3 class="sp-story-body__cross-head">
Resilient Real worthy leaders    </h3>
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.<br />
Real have taken 87 
points from a possible 102 since Zidane took charge in January, 
including four from two games at the Nou Camp.<br />
This draw was based on a steely determination and never-say-die spirit which was missing before Zidane's arrival.<br />
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.

Real Madrid scored late to deny Barcelona victory in an ill-tempered #ElClasico

Sergio Ramos scored a stoppage-time equaliser to extend Real Madrid's unbeaten start to the season and deny Barcelona victory in a ...