CRISTIANO RONALDO and Marcelo fired Real Madrid three points clear at the top of the La Liga table.
The Portugal flier scored the opener with a first-half bullet header as Los Blancos got off to a good start.
But after Luka Modric was brought down in the area, he saw his penalty saved.
And Daniel Parejo made him pay as he sent a free-kick into the top corner to make it 1-1 with 10 minutes to play.
Hopeful Barcelona fans were sent crashing back to earth, however, as Real hit back and Marcelo restored their lead.
Zidane recalled Ronaldo, Modric, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema after resting them in midweek.
But despite being back at full-strength the title favourites almost slipped up.
Barca face Catalan rivals Espanyol tonight knowing victory will see them move ahead of Real on goal difference.
But Zidane’s side have a game in hand – giving them the edge in the race despite their injury-time defeat in El Clasico.
Lionel Messi's late goal secured a narrow win over 10-man Real, who lost Gareth Bale to injury.
Los Blancos travel to Granada next Saturday while Barcelona entertain Villarreal.
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