Barcelona has Real Madrid on their heels after 18 minutes, with Pedro seeing theBlaugrana to an early 2-0 lead. The Spanish international's goal came after Iker Casillas was unable to stop a low David Villa cross, giving Pedro an easy finish into an undefended Real Madrid net.
The play started with Xavi Hernández in possession 24 years from goal, even with the right post. The midfielder played a diagonal ball out to David Villa on the left flank. There the Barcelona striker took on Sergio Ramos, the Real Madrid right back clutching his hands behind his back to eliminate a hand ball chance.
Villa dribbled at Ramos before getting the defender to shift his weight to his left foot, a sign to make for the byline. From there, Villa drove a ball across the six yard box, through goalkeeper Iker Casillas's hands to an oncoming Pedro, who ran onto the ball for an easy finish into the middle of the net.
Up 2-0 after 18 minutes, Barcelona nearly had a third when Andrés Iniesta perfectly weighted a ball past a high Madrid line, putting Villa in on goal from 30 yards out. The assistant referee's flag raised, the play was called for offside.
Now in the 24th minute, the match remains 2-0, Barcelona.
