Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 in Spanish derby

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring their second goal against Barcelona during their Spanish first division "El Clasico" soccer match at Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona April 21, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

MADRID - Real Madrid took a huge step towards winning the Spanish BBVA Primera Liga title this Saturday night as they defeated title rivals FC Barcelona 2-1 in Barca's Camp Nou Stadium.

Goals from Sami Khedira, who stabbed home from close range following a corner, and Cristiano Ronaldo gave Madrid the win.

Ronaldo's goal came just a minute after Alexis Sanchez had cancelled out Khedira's opener, but the fact is that Madrid deserved their win against a Barca side who looked tired after their Champions League semifinal away to Chelsea on Wednesday night.

Barcelona had only two days rest following that game, while Madrid had enjoyed an extra 24 hours recovery time and that showed as they worked hard to close Barca down for virtually the entire game, before making their power from set pieces and on the break count.

Madrid now enjoy a 7 point lead at the top of the table with just 4 games left to play.

Earlier in the day Sporting Gijon kept their survival hopes intact with a 2-1 home against Rayo Vallecano.

Sangoy opened the scoring after 18 minutes, but Mikel Labaka levelled six minutes after halftime. He was then sent off with 15 minutes remaining and two minutes later Mate Bilic scored the vital goal for his side.

Fellow strugglers Zaragoza, however, slipped to a 1-0 defeat in Mallorca. Victor Casadesus' strike 11 minutes from halftime ensured Mallorca are safe from the drop, but leaves Zaragoza with a mountain to climb if they want to stay in the top flight.

In the late kick off Sevilla drew 1-1 with Levante, a result which helps neither side's European ambitions.