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Real Madrid thump Barcelona 3-1 in El Clasico

Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 3-1 at the Bernabeu in this season's first El Clasico.

Neymar put the visitors ahead in El Clasico after just four minutes but Madrid were level by half-time thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's 35th-minute penalty.

That was Ronaldo's 19th goal of the season in all competitions and 15th consecutive league goal at the Bernabeu. It was also the first Primera Division goal Barca had let in under new coach Luis Enrique, having gone 776 minutes without conceding.

Barca's defence would be breached twice more in the second half as in-form Madrid extended their winning streak to nine matches in league and Europe. Pepe headed them in front in the 51st minute before Karim Benzema slotted home a third 10 minutes later.

Ancelotti said: "I'm satisfied with these players because of the unique amount of dedication and professionalism they put into their work. They are able to concentrate, they follow instructions and the playing philosophy. It is difficult to compare them to other teams, but I think this is a very serious squad."

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