Ramos earns Real Madrid dramatic draw

BARCELONA: Sergio Ramos earned Real Madrid a dramatic late draw in El Clasico by heading in a Luka Modric free kick to hold Barcelona 1-1 yesterday.

Luis Suarez put Barcelona ahead on 53 minutes, getting in front of Raphael Varane to head in Neymar’s corner.

But Real Madrid fought to maintain an unbeaten run that now stands at 33 games, thanks to Ramos’s 90th-minute leveller. They stay six points clear of Barca at the top of La Liga.

The game had a lively start with Modric running into Cristiano Ronaldo by mistake, and then clattering Leo Messi, provoking a furious reaction from Luis Enrique on the touchline.

Lucas Vazquez started well for the visitors, but wanted a penalty when dispossessed by Javier Mascherano, who had got his foot to the ball.

Barcelona’s best early chance came when Neymar was played in by a long ball over the top, and he crossed for Suarez, whose shot was blocked.

Isco and Neymar were both booked as referee Carlos Clos tried to keep control of a game which Ronaldo began to dominate towards the end of the half.

He tested Marc Andre ter Stegen with a shot at his near post, and then beat Gerard Pique and Mascherano before again shooting straight at Ter Stegen.

Madrid finished the half strongly and it was Raphael Varane who had a header from an Isco corner saved.

Barcelona supporters chanted ‘come out of the closet’ at Ronaldo before half-time. They will almost certainly be fined, with La Liga very keen to clamp down on homophobic chanting at football grounds.

Barcelona were a different side in the second half, and when Suarez headed in Neymar’s corner, the game looked to be under their control.

Andres Iniesta came on at the hour, making his first appearance in six weeks since suffering knee ligament damage. With him controlling midfield Barcelona, had the chances to wrap up the game, with Messi setting Neymar up twice, only for the Brazilian to squander the chances. Messi then missed from close range with the game’s penultimate opportunity.

When the last chance came, it fell to Ramos. Arda Turan fouled Marcelo, and from Modric’s free kick Ramos took advantage of Mascherano’s slip to score and earn Madrid a point. – DPA