Real Madrid extended their La Liga lead to four points as goals from Isco and Karim Benzema saw off Deportivo La Coruna at the Bernabeu.
However, it was not a vintage Real display in the final match before they resume the defence of their Champions League crown in midweek, at Schalke.
Real’s Cristiano Ronaldo missed from one yard, while he and Gareth Bale were both denied by the bar before midfielder Isco curled in the opener.
And Benzema dinked in the second.
Deportivo also had their chances, with Celso Borges denied by the woodwork, while Real keeper Iker Casillas made an outstanding save to prevent Oriol Riera’s powerful strike from going in.
Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema sealed victory in the 73rd minute
The visitors, who won La Liga in 1999-00, remain 12th in the Spanish top flight with 24 points while leaders Real have 57 points after 23 games.
Second-placed Barcelona host struggling Levante on Sunday, before champions Atletico, in third with 50 points, play at mid-table Celta Vigo.
Wins would put the pressure back on Real, who bounced back from last week’s 4-0 thumping against Atletico.
They began well against Deportivo with Ronaldo – who has gone three games without a goal for the first time since 2013 – striking a free-kick that left keeper Fabri stranded, but bounced off the bar.
And moments later, Bale drifted past two players before his vicious effort came back off the woodwork.
Ronaldo should have scored but he failed to connect with Benzema’s cutback from one yard out, but within a few seconds Isco followed up with a curling shot from 18 yards.
Benzema added a second when he stole in ahead of Fabri to convert Ronaldo’s pass.
–
Source: BBC Sport