Barca’s win down to luck, moans Mourinho

NEVER renowned for taking a loss with grace, Jose Mourinho put Real Madrid’s weekend 3-1 defeat in ‘El Clasico’ down to luck.

France forward Karim Benzema poked Real into an astonishing lead after 23 seconds — the fastest ever El Clasico goal — following a dreadful clearance by Barca keeper Victor Valdes, straight to the feet of Angel Di Maria.

Alexis Sanchez equalised with a clinical finish shortly before the half-hour mark and Xavi’s deflected volley and Cesc Fabregas’ brilliant back-post header — both of which came from quick breaks following glaring misses by the disappointing Cristiano Ronaldo — gave Pep Guardiola’s side a 3-1 win which moved them level on points with their opponents and to the summit by virtue of their head-to-head record.