A superb diving header from Cesc Fabregas [ Images ] earned Barcelona [ Images ] a 3-1 win at Real Madrid [ Images ] on Saturday that lifted the champions above their bitter rivals to the top of La Liga [ Images ].

Jose Mourinho's Real went ahead in the opening 'Clasico' of the campaign when Karim Benzema capitalised on an error by Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes [ Images ] to score after 23 seconds.

A trademark weaving run from World Player of the Year Lionel Messi [ Images ] created Barca's equaliser for Alexis Sanchez after half-an-hour before Xavi's [ Images ] deflected strike on his 600th appearance for Barca made it 2-1 eight minutes into the second half.

Daniel Alves [ Images ] galloped down the right wing and sent over a deep cross for former Arsenal [ Images ] captain Fabregas to nod in Barca's third in the 66th minute.

Pep Guardiola's eighth victory in 12 'Clasicos' since he took the helm at the end of the 2007-08 season put his Barca side on 37 points from 16 matches, level with Real, who have a game in hand, but ahead on goal difference.