Barcelona opened up an eight-point cushion at the Primera Liga summit Saturday with a 2-0 victory in ‘El Clasico’ against Real Madrid, but it took two late goals from Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi to give gave Barcelona the dramatic win at the Nou Camp.
It looked like Real Madrid was going to get a share of the points after Iker Casillas had saved Samuel Eto’o’s penalty with 20 minutes remaining. The penalty came about when Michel Salgado brought down substitute Sergio Busquets in the area, but Eto’o’s spot kick was brilliantly saved by Casillas.
Eto’s redeemed himself though with seven minutes to go when Puyol;s header fell to Eto’o, who poked the ball home from close range.
Messi then wrapped up with victory for Barcelona when he crashed a left-footed shot towards goal and Fabio Cannavaro’s despairing lunge only served to help the ball into the net.
With the win Barcelona moves 12 points ahead of Real Madrid in the standings, virtually eliminating Madrid from the title chase before Christmas.