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Robert Lewandowski scored twice in three second-half minutes to set Barcelona on their way to a 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in El Clasico.
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha also scored to add further misery onto Madrid who were left open at the back as they pushed for a way back into the tie.
Los Blancos came into El Classico with a streak of 42 La Liga games unbeaten and just one away from Barcelona’s own record.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side could have been ahead before the break but Kylian Mbappe found himself offside six times and had a goal chalked off.
The experience of 36-year-old Lewandowski told in the second half as he beat the offside trap to break the deadlock and then netted a looping header three minutes later.
Lewandowski should have settled the tie but missed two guilt-edge chances giving Madrid hope of a fightback.
However, Los Blancos was cut open twice more with Yamal and Raphinha taking advantage to record a memorable win.
The result means that Barcelona are now six points clear at the summit of La Liga.
Talking Point – Barcelona hold nerve to stretch advantage
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick provided a tactical masterclass as his side ruthlessly ended their rivals unbeaten streak.
The high and tight defensive line held by the visitors resulted in Mbappe becoming frustrated in the first half and continuously running offside.
Madrid were caught offside 12 times in the game and when they did break through goalkeeper Inaki Pena was equal to their efforts.
On the counter-attack, Barcelona were ruthless in the second half with Lewandowski timing his run for the opener perfectly.
Lewandowski’s quick second was the perfect moment for the visitors who then picked off their frustrated hosts on the break.
Player of the match – Inigo Martinez (Barcelona)
The 33-year-old was at the heart of a brilliant defensive performance against one of the most potent attacks in the world.
Martinez was a key cog in Barcelona’s win and kept the defensive line perfectly to constantly catch Madrid offside.
When Vinicius Junior and Mbappe found a way through Martinez was on hand to make some excellent challenges.
To keep a clean sheet at the Bernabeu was equally as impressive as scoring four at the opposite end.
Player Ratings
Real Madrid: Lunin 6, Lucas 6, Militao 6, Rudiger 6, Mendy 6, Valverde 7, Tchouameni 6, Camavinga 6, Bellingham 7, Vinicius Junior 7, Mbappe 7. Subs: Diaz 6, Garcia 6, Modric 6
Barcelona: Pena 8, Kounde 7, Cubarsi 8, Martinez 9, Balde 8, Casado 7, Pedri 7, Yamal 8, Lopez 7, Raphinha 8, Lewandowski 7. Subs: De Jong 7, Gavi 7, Olmo 6
Match Highlights
32 –MBAPPE GOAL DISSALOWED: Madrid break down the right before the final ball is played into the path of Mbappe to beat the goalkeeper.
The French striker celebrates before VAR rules the goal out. It’s very tight but the goal is ruled out.
54 – GOAL! REAL MADRID 0 BARCELONA 1 (LEWANDOWSKI): Lewandowski beats the off-side trap as Casado released the striker who slides his effort into the bottom corner.
56 –GOAL! REAL MADRID 0 BARCELONA 2 (LEWANDOWSKI): It’s that man again with two goals in three minutes. Balde runs clear out wide and then sends a looping cross to the marksman who guides his header into the net.
66 – LEWANDOWSKI HITS POST: Barcelona should have sealed the win as Raphinha breaks clear and squares for Lewandowski who with the goal at his mercy hits the post.
77 –GOAL! REAL MADRID 0 BARCELONA 3 (YAMAL): Surely that seals the win for Barcelona. On the counter-attack it is Raphinha who provides the assist with a surging run from the wing before finding Yamal to beat the goalkeeper.
84 – GOAL! REAL MADRID 0 BARCELONA 4 (RAPHINHA): It’s another excellent goal for Barcelona on the break. A long ball over the top and Lucas is caught ball watching as Raphinha nips in and chips the ball over the goalkeeper.
