On Saturday in El Clasico, it was do-or-die for Real Madrid. Ten points out of the title race, a loss would have seen the team's hopes of winning La Liga evaporate, while a win would give them life. Los Blancos have life, and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is to thank.

Playing with 10 men after Sergio Ramos' second-half red card, Real Madrid came back from a 1-0 deficit to beat Barcelona 2-1 at Camp Nou, with Zinedine Zidane winning his first Clasico.

A lively first half didn't bring any goals, but the second half provided plenty. 

First it was Barcelona's Gerard Pique who headed home the opener on 56 minutes. 

Then six minutes later, Karim Benzema equalized with a lovely overhead kick. 

Gareth Bale found the net 80 minutes in but the goal was disallowed, but then the former Tottenham man set up Ronaldo five minutes later with a ball at the back post. Here's Ronaldo's goal. 

Now only seven points separate Real from Barca, while Atletico Madrid is six points back of Barca. The title race in Spain is alive and well, and there are three contenders with everything to play for with two months to go. 

More Clasico

-  Did you see Luis Suarez's crazy miss from close in this one? Check it out here.

LIVE BLOG

Preview

It's almost El Clasico time. Barcelona vs. Real Madrid, Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo, giants against giants. Arguably the best derby in world soccer is set for this Saturday with plenty on the line. Here's everything you need to know. 

Time: April 2, 2:30 pm ET

TV: beIN Sports USA and beIN Sports in Spanish (stream via beIN Sports app)

What's at stake: A chance for Barcelona to stretch its lead at the top of La Liga, and the last chance for Real Madrid to get back into the title fight. Barca is currently in first place in the league with 76 points. Atletico Madrid is second with 67, and Real Madrid is third with 66. A win and Real will be just seven points back with seven matches to go. A loss, and it is bye-bye to the league crown for yet another year. It's Barca's title to win, and beating its rival will be a big boost to its already fine title chances.

Barcelona's best player: It's Messi, who you probably heard of. He tends to step up to the plate and deliver in every game, but especially in El Clasico. Nobody has scored more goals in this match than the Argentine, who has 21. 

Real Madrid's best player: It's easily Ronaldo. Ronaldo is tied for third among all time goal scorers in El Clasico with 15. If he scores once, he will pull into third by himself, passing Real Madrid legend Raul. 

Barca's best player not named Messi: It's a toss up between Luis Suarez and Neymar, but we will go with the Uruguayan striker based on goal scoring. The former Liverpool man has played in 43 matches this year, scoring 43 goals. They've been from from his head, both feet, simple, some complex. He does it all, and he is the top pure striker in world soccer. 

Real Madrid's best player not named Ronaldo: That's a tough one, and many would go with Gareth Bale or Karim Benzema, but I think it's Luca Modric. The former Tottenham star is so creative on the ball and is the engine in Real Madrid's midfield. If he gets enough of the ball in the final attacking third, watch out. 

Under-the-radar Barca guy to watch: Defender Dani Alves. The Brazilian stepped up big for Brazil in World Cup Qualifying on Tuesday grabbing a late equalizer against Paraguay. And, well, he kind of knows what it is like to score a big goal in this game.

Under-the-radar Real Madrid guy to watch: Midfielder Casemiro. The young Brazilian impressed at Porto on loan last season and seems to be gaining confidence. Having made 24 appearances for Real Madrid this year, he has his toughest test on Saturday. Can he frustrate the fantastic Barca midfield?

Barcelona predicted starting XI: Bravo; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar. 

Real Madrid predicted starting XI: Navas; Danilo, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo. 

Barcelona will win if... It can display something close to what it has been able to display for the last five months. Barca hasn't lost since October. Tough at the back, patient in the middle and ferocious in attack has been Barca's recipe for success. 

Real Madrid will win if... It can get two goals in the first half and jump out to a lead. Barca has scored in every match at home this year, so you know they will find the net in this one. But can Ronaldo, Benzema or Bale convert early chances and give the team hope in getting back into the title race?

Prediction: Barca crushed Real Madrid 4-0 last time out. Enough said. Barcelona 3, Real Madrid 2

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Benzema
Benzema scored on Saturday. (Getty Images)