Battling Real leave Cup tie poised

Real Madrid 1 Barcelona 1

Both sides had plenty chances during an enthralling first half but the opener did not arrive until five minutes into the second period when Cesc Fabregas latched onto Lionel Messi’s through ball to fire past Diego Lopez.

After the break Dani Alves made a heroic last-ditch tackle to prevent Benzema and the Frenchman was first to threaten after the break as he cut inside and bent a shot just over, but it was Barcelona who found the net moments later.