( CNN ) -- It was supposed to be the Copa del Rey semifinal showdown between Real Madrid 's Cristiano Ronaldo and his Barcelona nemesis Lionel Messi . But the two superstars , who have scored 77 goals between them in all competitions this season , were overshadowed by a man making his very first start in a Clasico matchup in Madrid Wednesday . Real defender Raphael Varane might only be 19 , but he capped a hugely impressive performance with a dramatic equalizer to ensure his side will travel to the Camp Nou next month level at 1-1 with every chance of making the final . Messi sets up 'El Clasico ' clash . The Frenchman , playing at the heart of the Real defense , made a whole host of challenges and tackles to help Jose Mourinho 's side claim a draw from an enthralling first leg encounter . That result looked in doubt for some time once Cesc Fabregas had fired the visitor ahead early in the second half with the Catalans going on to create a whole plethora of chances . Xavi Hernandez hit the crossbar in the first half and had another effort brilliantly blocked on the line by Varane as Barcelona threatened to take control of the 223rd clasico . Austerity gives El Clasico new twist . But the league leaders finally made the breakthrough six minutes after the interval when Cesc Fabregas latched onto Leo Messi 's pass and slotted the slotted the ball home . Real , which is 15 points behind Barcelona in La Liga , had chances of its own and Ronaldo somehow headed wide from three yards when he looked certain to score . Pedro should have punished Real further when he burst clear with 17 minutes remaining , but he inexplicably prodded his effort wide of the far post with just the goalkeeper to beat . Messi trumps Ronaldo . And Real took full advantage of Barcelona 's wasteful nature as Varane headed home Mesut Ozil 's cross with nine minutes remaining . There was still time for stand-in goalkeeper Diego Lopez to deny Jordi Alba a late winner but Barca was forced to settle for a draw and a crucial away goal . `` These games are always very tough , '' Fabregas told Spanish television . `` Considering how the march went the result could have been more favourable from our point of view . `` But we will be at home for the return leg in front of our own fans . We are in a good rhythm and having a spectacular season . '' The two teams will contest the second leg at Camp Nou on February 26 . More woe for Chelsea boss Benitez . In the English Premier League , Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez was forced to watch on in horror as his side threw away a two goal lead to draw 2-2 at relegation threatened Reading . Juan Mata and Frank Lampard had put the visitor in a commanding position with just 24 minutes of normal time remaining . But Reading 's super sub Adam Le Fondre scored twice in the last three minutes to snatch a point for his side . Manchester United extended its lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points with a 2-1 win over Southampton . After falling behind early on at Old Trafford to Jay Rodriguez 's effort , United hit back thanks to two goals from Wayne Rooney . Real Madrid , Barca or Manchester United : Which is the biggest club ? Arsenal came from two goals down to claim a point in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Liverpool . Luis Suarez and Jordan Henderson had give Liverpool at two goal lead in London but strikes from Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott ensured the spoils were shared . But there was bad news for Arsenal after it was confirmed that defender Kieran Gibbs will be out of action for up to three weeks with a thigh injury . Elsewhere , Tottenham was held to a 1-1 draw at Norwich , Fulham defeated West Ham 2-1 and Everton saw off West Bromwich Albion by the same scoreline . Lazio charged with racist fan behavior . Meanwhile , Italian club Lazio has been fined $ 190,000 by UEFA after its Europa League games with Tottenham and Maribor were marred by racist chanting . Lazio was hit with a $ 122,00 punishment after sections of its support sang `` Juden Tottenham '' ( `` Tottenham Jews '' in German ) at the visiting fans , whose club has a historical Jewish connection . They also held up a banner which read `` Free Palestine '' during the game on November 22 last year . Tottenham was also fined $ 13,500 for crowd disturbances in the same fixture . Lazio had previously been fined $ 54,500 by UEFA after monkey chants were directed at Tottenham players during the reverse fixture in London in September . Anti-semitic chanting mars Lazio game . UEFA also punished Lazio after their fans threw missiles and fireworks on to the pitch while the team was sanctioned for their late arrival at the stadium . The Italians also received a suspended one-match stadium ban and a further $ 68,000 fine for their supporters ' racist conduct in the Europa League group stage game against Maribor in Slovenia on December 6 . Maribor were fined $ 23,000 for poor match organization and the throwing of missiles and fireworks by their supporters at the same Group J game .
Real Madrid and Barcelona draw Two -1 in first leg of Copa del Rey semifinal . Raphael Varane heads the breakthrough six minutes equalizer to cancel out Cesc Fabregas ' opener . Two teams will meet again at Camp Nou for first leg on February 26 . Raphael Varane extends lead at top of English Premier League .