Madrid: Defending champions Real Madrid edged city rivals Atletico Madrid 2-0 with Cristiano Ronaldo on target to keep their slender hopes of a title repeat alive.
Atletico Madrid, riding high in second place, felt they had their best chance to beat Real Madrid since their last triumph in October 1999 but they rarely threatened as they failed to settle in a highly-charged atmosphere.
Argentine coach Diego Simeone has brought success based on solidity and the midfield of Gabi Fernandez and Mario Suarez were holding their own against their Madrid rivals and it was the visitors who had the first clear chance of the game.
Radamel Falcao got in front of Pepe to prod a Diego Costa pass goalwards but keeper Iker Casillas managed to palm the ball behind from close range.
Ronaldo has had a quiet run by his own high standards without a goal in three games but he responded on 15 minutes with a free-kick from fully 30 yards which nestled in the corner.
The referee tried to allow the game to flow but the game was mainly compressed into midfield. It was Madrid who tried to circulate the ball more and after the break they managed to gradually take charge of the game.
Ronaldo blazed wide from the edge of the area after 53 minutes and then he set up Mesut Ozil to volley home the second from 15 yards.
The Portuguese also hit the post twice in the closing stages as Atletico dropped the intensity of their play.
Mauricio Pellegrino was sacked as manager of Valencia following his side’s 5-2 defeat at home to Real Sociedad.
The game swung on the first half dismissal of Jonas Goncalves with Valencia ahead through Roberto Soldado.
Alberto De la Bella equalised before the break and further goals came from Mikel Gonzalez, Diego Ifran, Imanol Agirretxe and Carlos Vela from the penalty spot while Soldado also got a second.
Earlier an Alberto Lopo header saw fourth-placed Malaga lose 1-0 away to Getafe.
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