MADRID, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Luis Suarez and Sergio Ramos scored headed goals as FC Barcelona drew 1-1 in a tense, if not brilliant 'Classico' in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Both teams had surprises in their starting elevens with Andres Iniesta, back after almost two months out through injury, starting the game on the Barcelona substitutes' bench, while Rafael Varene started instead of Pepe in the Madrid defense.
Despite also including the attacking midfielder, Isco in their side, Madrid were willing to let Barca apply the early pressure, although the only chances of note were a Sergi Roberto volley which hit Sergio Ramos on the chest and a Messi free kick which was easily held by Keylor Navas.
Real Madrid generally looked to be in control and with Luka Modric dominating in midfield, they began to get on top, although until the last 10 minutes of the first half the threat was more implied that real as Ronaldo failed to get involved.
His first contribution, however, produced a save from Ter Stegen as he tested the keeper with a left foot drive, before skipping past two challenges and prodding the ball goal-wards.
Barca were relying too much on Messi and Gerard Pique had to make a timely intervention as Karim Benzema' s shot again threatened.
Luis Enrique will have been happy to hear the halftime whistle and he will have been even happier when Suarez headed Barca into a 53rd minute lead.
The striker showed his experience to make space in the Madrid six-yard box and head Neymar's free kick past Navas.
The goal and the introduction of Iniesta just before the hour saw Barca gain in confidence and their slick passing returned in flashes s Barca carved out a series of chances which should have won them the game.
Neymar cut inside before shooting over on 68 minutes before Iniesta fired into the side netting a minute later and two minutes after that Neymar saw another shot blocked.
Messi also fired wide when well placed and Ramos made Barca pay for those misses in the last minute when he headed Modric's free kick home for an equalizing goal which keeps Madrid six clear at the top of the table.
