Luis Enrique made the entry to Barcelona's team sheet that the eyes of the football world were waiting for as Luis Suarez started, having served his four-month ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup.
The Uruguay star enjoyed a dream start to life in a Barcelona shirt as he laid on Neymar's fourth-minute opener, from which Real hit back ferociously - Karim Benzema passing up a host of chances in quick succession.
Lionel Messi's customary composure in front of goal deserted him before his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo levelled from the penalty spot before half-time after Gerard Pique blocked Marcelo's los cross with his arm.
That was the first league goal conceded by Barcelona this season but Pepe headed Carlo Ancelotti's team ahead five minutes into the second half and there was a party atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu when Benzema converted a brilliant 61st-minute counter-attack.
Real close to within a point of their historic foes at La Liga's summit after nine rounds, while Sevilla can go level with Barca if they beat Villarreal on Sunday.
Valencia were beaten 3-0 by Deportivo La Coruna last week but Nuno Espirito Santo's men regrouped with a 3-1 victory at the Mestalla.
