Barca had to share points with Real in the final minutes

Center-back Sergio Ramos headed in an equalizer for Real in the final minutes, after Luis Suarez opened the scoring for Barca early in the second half.

Goals: Suarez 53' - Ramos 90'

Having created more clear-cut chances, Barca almost won the first El Clasico of the 2016-17 season. Luis Enrique's side opened the scoring in the 53rd minute thanks to Suarez's first strike of the season, and also had two clear-cut shots that Neymar and Messi both wasted. If it weren't for Sergio Ramos' equalizing header in the 90th minute, Real could have suffered their first defeat of the season.

A valuable point won at the Nou Camp really means a lot to Real. After El Clasico, Real continued to maintain a six-point gap over Barca: 34-28. Third-placed Sevilla also did not shorten the gap when they lost 1-2 to Granada. Real are now seven points ahead of Sevilla.

Neymar covered his face in regret after missing a good chance in Real's penalty area. Photo: Reuters

The first El Clasico of the season could be likened to a dramatic film with two contrasting halves. In the first half, the two teams played cautiously with Real slightly ahead. In contrast, the second half was all Barca with overwhelming play and a series of chances.

As if under psychological pressure, Barca only played well after opening the score. From the situation where Neymar kicked a free kick for Suarez to head accurately, Real's goal was constantly under strong attacking pressure from the MSN trio. At times the ball was about to fly into goalkeeper Navas' net, but only bad luck prevented the score from becoming 2-0 for Barca. On a day when they lost their sharpness in finishing, Neymar and Messi both missed their shots when facing Navas. The former shot the ball over the bar from a distance of only seven meters, while the latter shot diagonally, sending the ball almost a meter off the goal.

Just like what happened in the 2014 Champions League final, center-back Ramos once again rescued Real with his signature header. In the situation where Modric kicked a free kick into the penalty area in the 90th minute, the white-shirted captain coolly chose the exact position and headed the ball into the corner of the net. The goal surprised thousands of Barca fans while they thought their team was about to get three points and shorten the gap.

Ramos once again became Real's savior.

For fans who had been waiting for Messi or Ronaldo to shine, the disappointment could be considerable. In a match that was so tense and closely monitored, the two players had no room to show off. Ronaldo left no impression except for two inaccurate shots in the first half, while Messi missed a golden opportunity for Barca.

Individually, the only players who stood out were Neymar, Iniesta, Modric and Ramos. While Messi and Suarez were underperforming, Neymar still proved to be a constant threat from the left flank for Real. It was the striker wearing the number 11 shirt who took the free kick that helped Suarez open the score, before missing the chance to double the gap after a skillful dribble. Iniesta also asserted his class when he entered the field at the beginning of the second half, including a pass that seemed to create an opportunity that Messi failed to take. Meanwhile, with Modric and Ramos, their contributions were both quiet but effective, and then shone in the 90th minute through a well-coordinated free kick.

Barca failed to hold on for the win after taking an early lead in the second half.

Failing to beat Real in El Clasico, Barca missed a good opportunity to compete for the La Liga championship. With a gap of six points, if they maintain their current form until the end of the season, the capital team will likely be crowned champions for the first time in five years.

According to VNE