Barcelona pile pressure on Madrid

Real Madrid (2) 0-0 (0) Barcelona 7.45pm

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid made their intentions clear from the start in the Bernabeu.

Barcelona launched three attacks in the first five minutes, while Madrid, who moved the ball impressively, also looked keen to get forward.

Barca duo Saviola and Coco carried the game to Madrid and only a Figo tackle stopped Coco getting a cross in.

Xavi also sent an early shot high over Cesar’s crossbar.

Guti hit a tame volley over the Barcelona bar following a Raul knockdown from Roberto Carlos’ long throw.

The tackles were flying in thick and fast, with Barca getting the better of things and forcing Hierro and Helguera to make a series of defensive headers under pressure.

The tension on the field was clear from an 18th-minute flare-up following a Solari foul on former Madrid star Luis Enrique.

Frank de Boer’s free-kick deflected off the Madrid wall and flew agonisingly wide before Raul gave a hint of his class at the other end, curling a shot just over.