A fine second-half volley from substitute Zlatan Ibrahimovic secured the triumph for the champions against Real Madrid and put Guardiola's side two points clear at the top of La Liga after 12 rounds of matches.

And there is no let-up for the Catalan giants with Xerez visiting the Nou Camp in midweek for a fixture which has been brought forward due to Barca's commitments in the FIFA Club World Cup in United Arab Emirates later this month.

"We've come through two emotionally highly-charged games," said Guardiola, recalling also last Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan.

"Wednesday will be a test and we'll see if we have a team that really wants to win things."

Barca held onto their lead despite the sending-off of Sergio Busquets with almost half an hour remaining, and Madrid's frustration spilled over as Lassana Diarra also saw red late on.

Cristiano Ronaldo - returning to the side after injury to take part in his first ever 'Clasico' - missed a fantastic chance to give Manuel Pellegrini's side the lead when he shot straight at Victor Valdes with only the Barca keeper to beat.

Guardiola was particularly pleased with the defensive contributions of Valdes and captain Carles Puyol last night.

"Victor is always there at important moments," he said.

"We are lucky that he has great stability. That was a great save."

Of 31-year-old Puyol, he added: "He's playing as if he was just a 20-year-old this season. He's impeccable."

President Joan Laporta singled out match-winner Ibrahimovic for praise.

"He made the difference," he said of the Sweden forward.

"That's why we signed him so that he would turn games like this around. He was marvellous."

He added on fcbarcelona.com: "This was a fitting way to celebrate 110 years of our history.

"It encapsulated our history with moments of joy and suffering just as we've had throughout our 110 years."