Barca wins in Madrid to take huge step towards Spanish title

MADRID, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Leo Messi and Pedro Rodriguez scored to give FC Barcelona a 2-0 win in Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu, taking them to the top of the Spanish Primera Liga table.

FC Barcelona beats Real Madrid 2-0.(Xinhua/Chen Haitong)

The victory leaves Barca three points clear of Real Madrid and with the added advantage of superior individual goal difference.

The result was no less than Barca deserved after outplaying their rivals for the majority of the match.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola surprised many with his starting lineup, playing just two strikers and pushing right back Dani Alves into an advanced role on the right of midfield with Carles Puyol covering behind him.

Real Madrid meanwhile continued to show faith in Fernando Gago in a central midfield role with Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.