Real Madrid have moved 13 points ahead of Barcelona at the top of La Liga with a comfortable 4-0 win at home to Racing Santander.
The hosts could have taken the lead in the fourth minute, but Cristiano Ronaldo saw his effort come back off the woodwork.
However, the winger was not to be denied as he converted a simple header a minute later to put his side in front.
Karim Benzema had a scuffed volley saved, before the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Domingo Cisma was harshly sent off for a second yellow card given for handball.
Madrid doubled their lead a minute into the second half when Benzema dinked in from a tight angle.
Xabi Alonso fired a volley narrowly wide minutes later, while Sergio Ramos should have done better when he headed over from a corner.
Marc Torrejon had Racing's best chance, but he could only direct his header over the bar.
It was 3-0 with 20 minutes to play as substitute Angel Di Maria cut inside onto his left foot before smashing the ball into the far corner.
The win was sealed in the final five minutes when Benzema's deflected drive found the roof of the net.
Barca can cut the lead back to 10 points on Sunday when they host Valencia.
Jack Prescott
