Goals from Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal gave Real Madrid a hard-fought win away to Alaves in La Liga's early game on Saturday.
Coach Zinedine Zidane made several changes to his team, with Alphonse Areola coming in for Thibaut Courtois in goal and Gareth Bale starting for the first time since early October as Eden Hazard missed out through injury.
Fede Valverde was left on the bench and in his absence, Madrid lacked energy in a disappointing first half.
Los Blancos almost went in front as Ximo Navarro, under pressure from Bale, headed against his own post early on.
And in the pouring rain at Mendizorrotza, it looked like it might be one of those afternoons for Real.
But captain Sergio Ramos rose to head home a Toni Kroos free-kick after 52 minutes, glancing past Fernando Pacheco following a superb delivery from the German midfielder.
Ramos was then the villain at the other end as he caught Joselu with an elbow in the area, which was clear and also unnecessary, to concede a penalty.
Lucas Perez sent Areola the wrong way from the spot to make it 1-1 after 62 minutes, but Alaves’ joy was short-lived as Madrid went back in front soon after that.
Modric crossed deep from the right, Isco rose for a header at the far post, Pacheco pushed the ball onto his post and Carvajal - of all people - was there to tap in the rebound.
Zidane then sent on Rodrygo for Bale, later Valverde for Modric and also Ferland Mendy for Isco as his side sought to cling on and they managed to, despite a series of late corners and Alaves pressure in an amazing eight minutes of added time.
Madrid move provisionally three points clear of Barcelona, in action away to Atletico on Sunday, while Alaves are down in 13th.
