Real Madrid overcame their usual jitters at the Riazor, winning for the first time in 18 years in the stadium of Deportivo La Coruna by three goals to one.

Madrid were without their goalscoring talisman Cristiano Ronaldo who was serving the first game of his two match ban.

However, it was a great performance from Los Blancos. Goals came from Benzema (2) and Granero. The most notable goal of the game was the second, a brilliant back heel by Guti set up Benzema for an easy tap in.

It was a valuable three points for the capital-based club after Barcelona had picked up a further three points, defeating Sporting Gijon by a goal to nil.