A lethal finish from Luis Suarez gave Barcelona a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in a typically frantic 'Clasico' on Sunday as they stretched their lead over their rivals at the top of La Liga to four points.

While the personal battle between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo captured the attention before the game, it was Uruguayan Suarez who settled the Nou Camp contest with a deft touch and a deadly strike into the corner of the net after 55 minutes.

Barcelona went ahead against the run of play when French defender Jeremy Mathieu headed home his first league goal for the Catalan club from a Messi free kick after 18 minutes.

Barcelona's Luis Suarez celebrates as he scores the winner against Real Madrid CF during their La Liga match at Camp Nou on Sunday

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo is challenged by Barca's Dani Alves

Barcelona's Lionel Messi (left) jumps as he as he intercepts a challenge by Real Madrid's Marcelo\

Barcelona's Gerard Pique (centre) goes airborne and is entangled with teammate Lionel Messi as he attempts a bicycle kick past Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos (left)

Barcelona's Andres Iniesta and Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos are involved in an aerial challenge