Neymar scored one goal and set up Alexis Sanchez for an exquisite decider in his first 'clasico' match on Saturday as Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-1 at Camp Nou in the Spanish league.

With Lionel Messi oddly quiet, Neymar opened in the 19th minute from close range after receiving Andres Iniesta's pass as the Brazil striker outshone fellow newcomer and rival Gareth Bale.

While Neymar lived up to his €57-million transfer this summer, questions over the wisdom of Madrid's €100-million payout for Bale will continue after he failed to produce a shot on goal before being replaced by Karim Benzema with half an hour to go.

Benzema hit the woodwork before Alexis took Neymar's pass and sealed the victory in the 78th with a brilliant chipped shot.

Substitute Jese Rodriguez got Madrid's consolation goal in injury time.