Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a sensational goal and was then sent off for a combination of his provocative celebration and for diving as Real Madrid beat Barcelona 3-1 in an explosive Spanish Super Cup first leg on Sunday.
Gerard Pique scored an own goal early in the second half to give Real the lead in the annual curtain raiser between the Liga champions and the King's Cup holders although Lionel Messi looked to have saved his blushes by scoring a controversial penalty in the 77th minute after Luis Suarez was fouled, reports Reuters.
Substitute Ronaldo rattled in a sensational strike from outside the area three minutes later to restore the Liga and European champions' advantage, earning a booking for removing his shirt and mimicking Messi's celebration at the Santiago Bernabeu in last April's Clasico.
Ronaldo was given a second yellow card moments later for diving to attempt to win a penalty and will miss Wednesday's second leg at the Bernabeu. After he was ordered off, the Portuguese pushed referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea in frustration, and could now face a lengthy suspension.
Barca rallied late in search of an equaliser but Spanish forward Marco Asensio instead extended Madrid's advantage in the tie with a scorching strike from outside the area in the 90th minute to cap a thrilling second half.
"These games are like this, you switch off for one second and relax and loads of things happen, but I'm very happy with the game," said Real captain Sergio Ramos.
"We're fighting for a trophy and this is an important step."
Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets said: "A 3-1 defeat at home is very difficult to take; the tie seems very tough for us now but we'll try and make a go of it, even though we've made it almost impossible for us.
"Whoever scores first in these games has a huge advantage, and Madrid did very well on the counter-attack."