Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the only goal shortly after his introduction from the bench, but it was defender Carlos Puyol who took the plaudits after a heroic display.

The 31-year-old made superb last-ditch blocks to deny Marcelo, Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema, and Guardiola told Marca: "He was relentless. It seems like he is still 20 years old."

Sweden striker Ibrahimovic was kept on the bench due to doubts over a muscular injury, but emerged early in the second half to break the deadlock with a stunning volley.

Barca held onto that lead despite the sending-off of Sergio Busquets with almost half an hour remaining, and Real's frustration spilled over as Lassana Diarra also saw red late on.

Guardiola continued: "Ten days is not enough time to recover. I could not be certain that he (Ibrahimovic) was fully fit.

"He preferred not to risk it from the start but he can always give you other options."

The result takes Barca two points clear of their fierce rivals at the Primera Division summit, and Guardiola said: "To be four behind would make things much more difficult.

"We have rediscovered the spirit of last year against a team who like to have the ball and dominate play. Real played well but we were never out of the game.

"The feeling in the second half was good until Busquets was sent off. There is great pride in beating a team like Madrid."

Real coach Manuel Pellegrini felt his side deserved better from the game.

In addition to Puyol's efforts, Cristiano Ronaldo was denied by a fine save from Victor Valdes and the Portugal winger also headed just over.

Pellegrini said: "The result does not correspond to what took place.

"(We deserved) at least a draw. We had two very clear chances with Marcelo and we made good counter-attacks. In the second half, they had the goal and a good chance with Messi but we had several opportunities.

"Barca are always difficult opponents at home but they came up against a good Madrid tonight."