Here’s how that Benzema opener affects the LaLiga table. If it stays this way, Madrid will go provisionally top, displacing Atlético by virtue of their superior head-to-head record over Los Rojiblancos.
Pedri is the first man to go into the referee’s notebook after bringing Casemiro down as the Brazilian drove towards the Barcelona box. It’s about the most richly-deserved yellow you could ever hope to see.
Madrid have a supremely enticing free-kick 30 yards or so out from goal, which Benzema looks like he fancies. Lionel Messi delivers a free-kick into the Real Madrid box from the left, and Barcelona are screaming for a penalty when Lenglet and Casemiro both tumble to the floor – but Jesús Gil Manzano blows for a free-kick to the hosts.
This is turning into a very lively game. Messi jinks his way to the left-hand byline before clipping a cross towards Dembélé, who must surely score if he connects. However, he can’t quite get his head to the ball.
Pedri scurries towards the Real Madrid box and exchanges passes first with Ousmane Dembélé, then with Lionel Messi, but Ferland Mendy runs the Barcelona youngsters off it before he can pull the trigger.
Vinicius heads for the Barça area and bursts past Araújo, who brings the Brazilian down right on the edge. and Kroos’ strike finds its way in, via Sergiño Dest and Jordi Alba! 2-0 to Real Madrid!
#ToniKroos spanking goal #ElClasico ??? pic.twitter.com/nc6tN78yYs
— 90hitz.net (@90hitzgh) April 10, 2021
Second goal pic.twitter.com/fe1LUYxl9X
— PESMATE TEAM (@TechJamesley) April 10, 2021