Real right back in the hunt

La Liga/ Real Madrid 2 Barcelona 0: Real Madrid closed the gap on Spanish league leaders Barcelona to two points after deservedly beating their rivals 2-0 last night.

Real captain Raul put the home side ahead on three minutes with a superb, flighted header following a Sergio Ramos cross.

Five minutes into the second half Ruud van Nistelrooy bravely volleyed in Robinho's cross after a Real counterattack.

Both Real's goalscorers hit the bar, with Raul's deflected shot striking the woodwork, while Van Nistelrooy was similarly unlucky with a great chip.

It was the first time Barcelona had lost in the league this season, though Frank Rijkaard's side still top the table on goal difference ahead of Valencia.

Barcelona had plenty of possession, but former Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen was unable to replicate the deadliness in front of goal of Raul and Van Nistelrooy.

The Icelandic striker was eventually withdrawn midway through the second half as Rijkaard introduced Javier Saviola in a bid to save the game.

Saviola immediately created an opening for Lionel Messi, who lashed a shot into the side-netting.

Raul gave Real the perfect start when he lost Lilian Thuram and rose superbly to guide a header past Victor Valdes after Ramos crossed from the right.

Real's captain might have had a second goal on 15 minutes, but his deflected shot hit the crossbar.

That chance was set up by Robinho, who initiated many of Real's early attacks.

A curling shot from Robinho forced Valdes into a save, before the Brazilian sent Van Nistelrooy marauding into the box. The Dutchman went to ground under Valdes' challenge, but play was waved on.

Barcelona took their time to adapt to Real's forceful start. Messi's dazzling skill created a chance for Gudjohnsen, who shot wide with just Iker Casillas to beat.

Barcelona switched their point of attack to the other flank, Andres Iniestas crossing to the unmarked Messi, who shot over the bar.

A sublime exchange of passes between Messi and Ronaldinho freed the Argentinian, but Casillas was quickly out of his goal to rescue Real.

Barcelona began the second half brightly and Gudjohnsen briefly glimpsed goal, only to delay his shot.

Van Nistelrooy punished Gudjohnsen's profligacy when Real broke quickly and the Dutchman managed to get to Robinho's cross before Valdes, cleverly volleying home.

Just as Raul had done in the first half, Van Nistelrooy clipped the bar with a superb chip.

The former Manchester United forward threatened in another counterattack, but this time Valdes got to the ball.

With five minutes left David Beckham was sent on by Real coach Fabio Capello to further bolster the home side's midfield.