Copa Del Rey 2012: Real Madrid v Barcelona match result

Real Madrid 1 - Barcelona 2

Eric Abidal proved an unlikely matchwinner as Barcelona came from behind to beat Real Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final a the Bernabeu.

Cristiano Ronaldo answered his critics for his poor performance against Barcelona last month by scoring the opener after 11 minutes, picking up Karim Benzema's pass before driving past Gerard Pique and firing low past Jose Manuel Pinto.

Barcelona took control for the rest of the first period but could not find a way through as Alexis Sanchez's header came back off the post and Andres Iniesta fired wide when well-placed inside the area.

But four minutes into the second half they were level as Carles Puyol headed home Xavi's corner.

Iniesta and Benzema then saw efforts come back off the bar and post respectively before Abidal, who yesterday signed a one-year contract extension, latched on to Lionel Messi's excellent ball over the top to prod past Iker Casillas and score only his second goal in five seasons at the club.