France forward Karim Benzema poked Real into an astonishing lead after 23 seconds following a dreadful clearance by Barca keeper Victor Valdes, straight to the feet of Angel Di Maria.

Alexis Sanchez equalised with a clinical finish shortly before the half-hour mark and Xavi's deflected volley and Cesc Fabregas' back-post header - both of which came from quick breaks following glaring misses by the disappointing Cristiano Ronaldo - gave Pep Guardiola's side a 3-1 win which moved them level on points with their opponents and to the summit by virtue of their head-to-head record.

Elsewhere, two injury-time goals from Ruben Castro saw Real Betis spring a major surprise by beating third-placed Valencia.

The visitors had gone ahead midway through the second half thanks to Jose Antonio Dorado's own goal and, despite exerting a lot of pressure, it appeared Betis would finish the game empty-handed.

However, Castro headed home to level before firing a second to earn the Andalucians their first win in 11 and ease some of the pressure on coach Pepe Mel.

It was a shock for the visitors, who are in Levante's sights after their earlier victory over Sevilla drew them level on points with Los Che.

Nano bundled home the only goal 10 minutes into the second half after a terrible mix-up between Emir Spahic and Javi Varas left the defender with the easiest of finishes from a yard.

Sevilla were the better side throughout the game but were guilty of not taking their chances, particularly when Jesus Navas and Spahic failed to hit the target when presented with clear sights of goal.