体坛英语新闻：Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-1 in Spain's Primera Liga

MADRID, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-1 in Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Saturday night to leave the race for Spain's BBVA Primera Liga title wide open in the standout match of the 16th round of games.

A win for Madrid would have left them six points clear of Barca with a game in hand and Jose Mourinho's side got a perfect start when Karim Benzema scored after 25 seconds following a poor clearance from Victor Valdes.

Alexis Sanchez levelled after 30 minutes following a Leo Messi pass and a deflected shot from Xavi Hernandez, who was making his 600th appearance for Barca, put them ahead after 52 minutes.

Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas celebrates his goal with his teammate Lionel Messi against Real Madrid during their match Spanish first division soccer match, the "Clasico", at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, December 10, 2011.

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a simple header to equalize, before Cesc Fabrigas put Barca 3-1 up after 65 minutes from a Dani Alves cross. Barca could have scored more goals in the closing minutes, but the win is a huge morale boost for the team which flew to Japan to play in the World Club Championships immediately after the match.

Levante remain fourth in the BBVA Primera Liga table thanks to a win over Sevilla, who had kicked off fifth and with hopes of moving into the top four themselves.

A left foot shot from central defender Nano after 56 minutes decided a hard fought, but dull game.

Saturday also Betis end a 10 game run without a win in dramatic fashion as Ruben Castro scored twice in injury time to give them a vital 2-1 win at home to third placed Valencia.

Valencia had taken the lead through a Jose Antonio Dorado own goal, but there was a certain justice to Betis' triumph as they had lost their last two games to injury time goals.

Sporting Gijon kicked off Sunday with a 3-1 win away to Rayo Vallecano. The result sees Sporting return to winning ways following consecutive defeats, while Rayo drop closer to the relegation zone after suffering their fourth consecutive defeat.

Nacho Novo scored twice for Sporting with David Barral netting the visitors' other goal.

A 77th minute goal from Francisco Casquero gave Getafe a much needed home win against a battling Granada, while Villarreal coach Javier Garrido continues to be under pressure after his side could only draw 1-1 at home to Real Sociedad.

Mikel Aranburu put the visitors ahead early in the second half, before Marco Ruben's third goal of the season assured the points were shared. Real Sociedad ended up with 10 men after Gorka Elustondo was sent off after 62 minutes.

A goal late in the first half from Mallorca striker Victor Casadesus gave his side a 1-0 win away to Zaragoza, who remain bottom of the table. It was Mallorca's first away win since last March.

Alvaro Gonzalez scored late in injury time to give Racing Santander a fortunate 1-1 draw away to Athletic Club Bilbao. Jon Autenetxe had scored for Athletic, who controlled the entire game, after 79 minutes, but Alvaro's late header cut shot the home side's celebrations.

Meanwhile Malaga and Osasuna also drew 1-1 in La Rosaleda. Ibrahima put Osasuna ahead, but Juanmi's goal 20 minutes from time drew Malaga level and both sides are still well placed in the battle for Europe.

Finally Espanyol versus Atletico Madrid was a late kick off.