Real Madrid have looked like a different team in the second half but they've yet to find a way past Barcelona's defense. Cristiano Ronaldo was denied what appeared to be a clear penalty while Karim Benzema hit a shot off the crossbar as only 15 minutes remain at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: Madrid denied a penalty, Benzema hits the crossbar
Gareth Bale's debut in the Clásico ended in the 60th minute as he was replaced by Karim Benzema. It wasn't the best game for Bale who failed to make much of a noticeable impact though it likely didn't help that he's still working back to full match fitness. It was also Ancelotti's second substitution of the half as he'd replaced Sergio Ramos with Asier Illarramendi four minutes earlier.
In the 65th minute Luka Modrić hit Ángel Di Maria with a magical pass that should have allowed the winger to break in free against Victor Valdés. Instead Di Maria’s touch was heavier than a box of rocks and the ball jumped forward allowing the Barca goalkeeper to charge off his line and collect the ball.
Cristiano Ronaldo was denied on a penalty shout in the 71st minute when Javier Mascherano came in on the Portuguese striker and knocked him off the ball. Ronaldo went ballistic but the referee waved away his complaints though replays showed Ronaldo was clearly fouled from behind by the defender.
Madrid continued pushing forward and created their best chance of the match a minute later when Benzema’s rocket from 20-yards out curled past Valdés and smacked off the crossbar.
You get the feeling that the equalizer is going to arrive at any minute unless Barcelona can settle the game down.
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