Real secure narrow victory against Barcelona

Barcelona 0 Real Madrid 1

Former Arsenal player Julio Baptista struck a stunning half-volley to earn Real Madrid a sensational win at Barcelona tonight.

The win gives the Spanish champions a seven-point lead at the top of the Primera Liga table heading into the winter break.

The Brazilian forward, who spent the 2006-07 season on loan at the Gunners, fired home against the run of play to stun the Catalans and heap further pressure on Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard.

Real went ahead 10 minutes before the break.

Baptista played a fantastic one-two with former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and when the Dutchman returned the ball to him just inside the area, he angled an exquisite half-volley past Victor Valdes and into the top corner to put the visitors ahead.

Real should have doubled their lead on the hour mark, but Van Nistelrooy opted to shoot instead of squaring for the better-placed Raul and sent his angled effort just wide.