Real win Clasico on busy Saturday in Spain

Real Madrid defeated FC Barcelona 2-1 in the Clasico in the Camp Nou Stadium on Saturday night.

Barca took the lead in what was probably one of the poorest games between the two sides for several seasons early in the second half with a Gerard Pique header, but Karim Benzema equalized shortly after the hour.

With Barca looking uncharacteristically slow and flat in a game meant to be a homage to club legend, Johan Cruyff, Madrid caught them several times on the break and got their reward six minutes from time when Ronaldo was given time to control Bale's cross before scoring with a right foot volley.

Atletico Madrid ensured they remain second and move to within six points of Barca with a very comfortable 5-1 win at home to Betis.

Antoine Griezmann scored twice after Fernando Torres had opened the scoring for the home side while right back Juanfran Torrres scored his first goal in three years and Thomas Teye also got his name on the score-sheet as Atletico coach Diego Simeone was able rest key players in the second half ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League quarter-final in Barcelona.

Valencia sacked Gary Neville as first team coach on Wednesday, but his replacement Pako Ayestaran wasn't able to change their fortunes as they lost 2-1 away to Las Palmas.

Rodrigo put Valencia ahead after just three minutes but second half goals from Jonathan Viera (a former Valencia player) and an own goal from Shkrodan Mustafi after 63 minutes just about ensured Las Palmas' survival, while dropping Valencia into the relegation dogfight.

Finally the Galicia derby between Celta Vigo and Deportivo la Coruna ended in a 1-1 draw. Borges put Deportivo ahead after 21 minutes and Nolito equalized for Celta nine minutes later. Endi