Real open gap at top
Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Julio Baptista struck a stunning half-volley to earn Real Madrid a sensational win at Barcelona and give the Spanish champions a seven-point lead at the top of the Primera Liga table heading into the winter break.

The former Arsenal forward fired home against the run of play to stun the Catalans and heap further pressure on Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard.

Barcelona had their chances and dominated the closing stages but Real held on stoutly to assure they are in the driving seat going into Christmas.

The first real chance fell to Barca as Andres Iniesta crossed for Ronaldinho, but the Brazilian saw his far post effort saved at full-stretch by Iker Casillas.

A minute earlier, Xavi had tested the Spain goalkeeper with a long-range effort and it appeared that Barcelona were beginning to take control of the game.

Real went ahead when Baptista played a fantastic one-two with Ruud van Nistelrooy and, when the Dutchman returned the ball to him just inside the area, the Brazilian angled an exquisite half-volley past Valdes and into the top corner.

Barcelona sought to hit back after the break, but Iniesta saw his shot easily gathered by Casillas on 53 minutes.

Real should then have doubled their lead on the hour mark, but Van Nistelrooy opted to shoot instead of squaring for the better-placed Raul and sent his angled effort just wide.

The Catalans dominated the closing stages and substitute Bojan Krkic forced Casillas into fine save on 83 minutes and from the resulting corner, Yaya Toure volleyed just wide on the turn.

Samuel Eto'o then saw his shot deflected just wide by Pepe as the locals pressed for a late equaliser.

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