Real keep in touch with Barcelona

BARCELONA: Ten-man Real Madrid survived a late fightback by Atletico Madrid to win 3-2 and keep the pressure on Spanish league leaders Barcelona on Saturday.

In an action-packed derby at the Calderon, Kaka gave Real the lead after just five minutes although there were suspicions of a foul on Cleber Santana in the lead-up. Chances came and went for both sides but Real were more clinical with Marcelo doubling the advantage with an acute drive with his weaker right foot. Still not fully fit, Sergio Aguero was introduced in the second half and after running through on goal was brought down by Sergio Ramos who was dismissed.

However, Real went further ahead through Gonzalo Higuain after 73 minutes before Atletico launched an assault which saw Diego Forlan and Aguero score.