Leo Messi and Pedro Rodriguez scored to give FC Barcelona a 2-0 win in Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu, taking them to the top of the Spanish Primera Liga table.

The victory leaves Barca three points clear of Real Madrid and with the added advantage of superior individual goal difference.

The result was no less than Barca deserved after outplaying their rivals for the majority of the match.

 FC Barcelona beats Real Madrid 2-0

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola surprised many with his starting lineup, playing just two strikers and pushing right back Dani Alves into an advanced role on the right of midfield with Carles Puyol covering behind him.

Real Madrid meanwhile continued to show faith in Fernando Gago in a central midfield role with Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.

With the game likely to decide the destiny of the Primera Liga title, both teams were clearly nervous in the opening minutes in front of a packed house in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Messi went down in the Madrid penalty area after 12 minutes, but his appeals for a penalty were waved away by referee Mejuto Gonzalez.

Barcelona was looking to control the ball, but struggling to find space with Real Madrid pressing forward to close them down, while looking for the pace of Ronaldo to hurt their rivals.

Chances were few and far between, although Xabi Alonso fired well wide from 25 yards for Madrid.

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