Spanish rivals share draw

Saturday's El Clasico never quite morphed into a classic and at times was spoiled by some cynical challenges and gamesmanship, with even Messi reduced to kicking the ball into the stands at one point.

Real's initial policy was one of containment - Mesut Ozil began the game on the bench - which was, perhaps, not such a surprising tactical decision given Mourinho's team had been embarrassingly beaten by Barcelona 5-0 at the Nou Camp in November.

That strategy was to crowd the midfield in the hope of stifling Barca's passing game, relying on Ronaldo and Angel di Maria to provide the home side's counter-attacking threat.

It was a strategy that enabled Barcelona to dominate possession, though Real probably had the clearer openings in the first half.

Just before the half-hour Di Maria glimpsed goal only to miscue with a wild shot and soon after Ronaldo swept into the Barca area before Adriano raced across to take the ball away from the Portuguese winger.

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