Barcelona overcame Real Madrid with a 2-1 victory in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opener for Real with an early goal (on 11 minutes), in what appeared to be a fitting reply to his critics who slammed him for his poor form in recent weeks.

But Barca managed to wrest control of the game then on. Carles Puyol drew level as he headed home Xavi's corner four minutes into the second half.

And the Catalans snatched the edge through Eric Abidal's finish on 76 minutes. The Frenchman comfortably tapped home a brilliant pass from Lionel Messi, netting an exciting match winner.

Here's how the action unfolded:

Barcelona-Real Madrid
Barcelona's Eric Abidal celebrates his goal with teammate Dani Alves against Real Madrid during their Spanish King's Cup soccer match in Madrid. Reuters
Barcelona-Real Madrid
Barcelona's Puyol celebrates his goal with his teammate Fabregas and Hernandez against Real Madrid's during their Spanish King's Cup soccer match in Madrid. Reuters
Barcelona-Real Madrid
Referee Cesar Muniz shows the yellow card to Barcelona's Carles Puyol during their Spanish King's Cup soccer match in Madrid. Reuters
Barcelona-Real Madrid
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo controls the ball during their Spanish King's Cup soccer match against Barcelona in Madrid. Reuters
Barcelona-Real Madrid
Barcelona's Abidal celebrates with Puyol after scoring against Real Madrid during their Spanish King's Cup soccer match against Real Madrid in Madrid. Reuters
Barcelona-Real Madrid
Barcelona's Messi is challenged by Real Madrid's Coentrao and Alonso during their Spanish King's Cup soccer match in Madrid. Reuters
Real Madrid Lionel Messi