Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has paid tribute to red-hot Karim Benzema after he continued his fine run of form in the 3-1 win over Barcelona in tonight's El Clasico.

The Spanish giants renewed hostilities at the Santiago Bernabeu and Neymar gave the visitors a dream start by firing the Catalans ahead after just three minutes.

Cristiano Ronaldo levelled from the penalty spot on 35 minutes, before second-half goals from Pepe and Benzema wrapped up the points and the bragging rights.

It was the Frenchman's sixth goal in his last four outings, and Ancelotti has claimed that his star striker is "on fire".

"I value the effort of the team. We didn't lose our heads after Neymar's goal and all went well," he told reporters.

"Isco's performance was impressive but today we could talk about Benzema, Isco, Cristiano or James [Rodriguez]. It's hard to talk about a star in this match but Benzema is on fire."

The win ended Barcelona's eight-game unbeaten run in La Liga, but they remain top by a point.