French star Karim Benzema scored the opener with a magical heel touch in minute 13 at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium in Madrid. Real Madrid's German midfielder Toni Kroos put the ball into the Barcelona net from on a free-kick in the 28th minute as the Whites doubled the lead.
Barcelona showed signs of a comeback in the 60th minute when Oscar Mingueza scored. Near the end of the match, Real Madrid were down to 10 men when Brazilian midfielder Casemiro was sent off after a foul.
Real Madrid secured the victory to top Spanish La Liga standings with 66 points, equaling city rivals Atletico Madrid. Third-place Barcelona have 65 points in 30 matches. Second-place Atletico Madrid will visit Real Betis on Sunday.
