Real stretch lead after historic win over Barca

Real Madrid snatched their first league victory in 20 years at the Nou Camp after a goal in each half from Brazilians Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo gave them a 2-1 win over arch-rivals Barcelona on Saturday.

Roberto Carlos broke the deadlock towards the end of an evenly matched first half when he cracked in with a ferocious drive and former Barcelona idol Ronaldo added a second with a sharp finish on 74 minutes.

But Real had to endure a nervous finish after Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert pulled one back for Barca when he fired in a brilliant header from a corner seven minutes from time.

The win allowed Real to open a three-point gap at the top of the table over Deportivo Coruna, who edged a 1-0 win over Malaga at the Riazor earlier on Saturday.

Valencia, who host Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, are two points further back in third, while surprise package Osasuna, who claimed an impressive 3-2 win at home to Celta Vigo, are four down on the Galicians.

Barca, who drop to eighth place after their defeat, now trail Real by 13 points in the table.

Real Betis claimed their first win in seven outings with a spectacular 4-0 win over last season's runners-up Real Sociedad, featuring a stylish double from Spain winger Joaquin.

Sociedad, who extended coach Raynald Denoueix's contract until 2005 on Friday, have now taken just three points from their last seven games.