Barcelona overcame the shock of conceding a goal after just 23 seconds - the fastest in El Clasico history - to defeat bitter rivals Real Madrid 3-1 and go top of La Liga. French striker Karim Benzema scored the early goal to give Real a 1-0 lead after a terrible clearance from Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes. Alexis Sanchez,who was chosen ahead of David Villa,levelled in the 30th minute after a sublime through ball from Lionel Messi. A drive from Xavi in the 53rd minute took a wicked deflection off Marcelo and beyond the desperate reach of Iker Casillas in the Real goal as Barcelona went into a 2-1 lead last night. Cesc Fabregas added the third in the 65th minute,scoring with a diving header from a fine cross by Dani Alves. It was the former Arsenal man's 10th league goal of the campaign. Real,who now trail Barca on goal difference,still have a game in hand over the reigning champions,but this result brought to an end a 15-match winning streak in all competitions for Jose Mourinho's side. An astonishing injury-time brace from Ruben Castro saw Real Betis come from behind to snatch a 2-1 win over Valencia and end a run of 10 matches without a victory. Valencia,who are seven points behind Barcelona and Real,were undone in the final minutes. There were few chances in a high tempo first half which was emphasised by the hard work from both teams' midfielders but after the break Betis took charge. Jonathan Pereira in particular caused a threat down the wing and the Valencia defence was stretched to the limit. A Benat Etxebarria free-kick was saved by Valencia keeper Diego Alves but the best chance fell to Castro who blazed over from inside the area.
