Barca recorded back-to-back league victories at the Bernabeu for the first time in their history by following up last season's 6-2 mauling with a 2-0 triumph last night.

The win also marked the first time Barca had won four successive meetings with Madrid and ended the capital club's 100% home record this season, but more importantly it gave Pep Guardiola's side the upper hand in the title race.

With seven games to go, the Catalan giants now boast a three-point lead over Manuel Pellegrini's men and also have the better head-to-head record against Madrid this season, which is essentially worth another point for Barca.

A delighted Alves said: "It was very important to win here, for the psychological blow it gives to the opposition.

"We are very happy. It's a very difficult ground to play at and we're going to really enjoy the win here. This is a present for the fans."

Barca, who started the match in second spot due to their inferior goal difference, took the lead in the 33rd minute through in-form Argentinian Lionel Messi with what was one of only two decent chances for either side during a cagey first half.

The visitors then doubled their lead 10 minutes after half-time through Pedro Rodriguez and, after withstanding Madrid's attempted fightback, might have added further goals late on with Messi twice being denied by fine saves from Iker Casillas.

Barca captain Carles Puyol said on his club's website: "We are very happy. It was a difficult game against a great team and they are very important and well-deserved points.

"It's a very difficult ground and we are aware of what we've achieved. We've regained the leadership and now we need to carry on like this. With this intensity we will lose few games.

"Now we will try not to slip up because there's a long way to go and this hasn't finished. We cannot relax."

Barca are next in action on Wednesday night when they take on Deportivo La Coruna at the Nou Camp and they could be six points clear of Madrid by the time Pellegrini's side face Almeria on Thursday.