Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid to win the first El Clasico fixture of the season 4-0 amid tight security in light of last week's terror attacks in Paris.
Goals from Luis Suarez (twice) Neymar and Andres Iniesta ensured the reigning Spanish champion would secure its fifth straight league victory and move six points ahead of great rival Real at the top of the La Liga standings.
A late red card for Real substitute Isco added further insult to the host's injury.
"This victory is glorious, especially in the way that it came about," said Barca boss Luis Enrique after the match. "We were the better side and the triumph is down to us."
For Real boss, Rafa Benitez, the humiliating loss will undoubtedly lead to a scolding in the notoriously fickle Madrid sporting press.
Some Real fans even waved white hankies towards the end of the game, a sign of their discontent and unhappiness at their sides performance.
Sweeps around the Santiago Bernabeu stadium began on Thursday while video footage showed stewards forensically inspecting every single seat in the 80,000 seater arena on Friday.
One thousand national police were in attendance while 1,400 private security guards were appointed by Real Madrid in light of events in Paris.
Madrid, of course, is no stranger to terrorist attacks. The Spanish capital was long a target for Basque separatist group ETA.
It was also victim of the most devastating terror ever attacks carried out on European soil when 191 people died and over 1,000 were injured in the 2004 train bombings for which an al Qaeda inspired cell later blamed.
Players paused before kick-off for a moments silence in respect of last week's victims, among whom were three Spaniards.
A giant French flag was also raised above one section of the stadium while dignitaries including Spanish prime minister, Mariano Rajoy looked on.
*CNN