Real Madrid win 1-0 at Barca to lead by 7

Barcelona's colorful legion of fans were still optimistic ahead of Sunday's meeting with Real Madrid, despite dressing-room discontent with manager Frank Rijkaard and the absence of Lionel Messi.

Barcelona's Ronaldinho argues with Real Madrid's Fabio Cannavaro during their Spanish league soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. (AP/Manu Fernandez)

Ruud van Nistelrooy came close to putting the visitors ahead, before Ronaldinho brought out the best in Iker Casillas.

Real looked as though they meant business. Crisp interplay between van Nistelrooy and Julio Baptista led to the latter firing Bernd Schuster's side ahead in the 36th minute. It was all they deserved for their efforts. They looked like hungry and convincing league-leaders.

Real Madrid's players celebrate their success.(File photo)

The match finished 1-0 to Real. That represented only their second league success at the Nou Camp in 24 years and brought Barcelona's 100 per cent home record this season to an abrupt end.