Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored four minutes after coming on as a substitute Sunday to lead Barcelona to a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid and send the defending champion to the top of the Spanish league standings.

Moments after Barcelona's defense had denied a Gonzalo Higuain effort, Daniel Alves found Ibrahimovic at the far post with a lofted cross in the 56th minute and the Sweden striker never broke stride as he volleyed past Iker Casillas with his left foot in the highly-anticipated Spanish "clasico" match.

"Dani gave me a good cross, I just tried to hit the ball and it went in," Ibrahimovic said. "It's a very happy moment because it was my first 'clasico'."

Barcelona was then reduced to 10 men in the 63rd minute with a red card for Sergio Busquets, but the European champions battled on before the numbers were evened up by a 90th minute red card for Lassana Diarra.

Cristiano Ronaldo, making his first start in two months, had Madrid's best chance in the 20th minute, but was denied by Victor Valdes. Ronaldo's replacement, Karim Benzema, fired over the top with only Valdes to beat in the 80th minute.

"It was a very even game, and we had our chances," Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini said. "We just didn't take advantage. I think we at least deserved a draw."

Barcelona leads the standings with 30 points, overtaking Madrid on 28. Sevilla is third with 26, followed by Valencia and Deportivo La Coruna, who are both on 25 points.

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