Real Madrid returned to the top of La Liga with a hard-earned victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabeu.
Toni Kroos put the hosts ahead after 14 minutes with a well-taken, side-footed finish from Vinicius Junior's pass.
Karim Benzema doubled the advantage before half-time, slotting in his 10th league goal of the season from David Alaba's cross.
Substitute Radamel Falcao headed in with 13 minutes left but Rayo could not find an equaliser and remain sixth.
Victory moved Carlo Ancelotti's side two points clear of Real Sociedad, although Sevilla will join them on 27 points if they defeat Real Betis on Sunday (20:00 GMT).
Benzema had several chances to put the hosts' beyond reach, while Vinicius was unable to finish after a superb run and Marco Asensio was also denied at close range.
They were almost punished for their profligacy in added time but Kroos produced a goal-line clearance and Thibaut Courtois tipped a follow-up shot from Unai Lopez over the crossbar.
Latest Stories
-
49th SWAG Awards: High jump Queen Rose Yeboah and Grace Mintah lead nominees for topmost award
1 minute -
ORAL: ‘National Cathedral spending is an ‘expensive pit of deceit’ – Ablakwa
10 minutes -
Our people didn’t vote – Bawumia explains why the NPP lost
13 minutes -
Dr Bawumia had no choice given Mahama’s decisive victory – Malik Basintale
20 minutes -
ORAL: ‘Clergy were misled by Akufo-Addo’ – Ablakwa on National Cathedral scandal
24 minutes -
‘It is false’- PMMC refutes claims of politicians smuggling gold from Ghana
42 minutes -
2 million NPP supporters did not turn up to vote – Kabiru Mahama
45 minutes -
IPR Ghana congratulates citizens for peaceful election, calls for unity
1 hour -
Bawumia’s 8 minutes elite ball that zapped the energy of trigger happy politicians
2 hours -
It will be a betrayal if National Cathedral saga does not feature in ORAL’s work – Ablakwa
2 hours -
‘It’s unfortunate we had to protect the public purse from Akufo-Addo’ – Ablakwa on ORAL Team’s mission
3 hours -
Congo lawyers say Apple’s supply chain statement must be verified
3 hours -
Stampede in southwestern Nigerian city causes multiple deaths
4 hours -
Tens of thousands without water in Mayotte as curfew brought in
4 hours -
ORAL: We won’t witch-hunt, we’ll focus on transparency, not revenge – Ablakwa
4 hours