An own goal from Daniel Wass and a late Lucas Vazquez ensured Real Madrid got back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Coach Santiago Solari would have been desperate for a win to bounce back from the embarrassing 3-0 defeat at Eibar last weekend.
And his side nearly got off to the best possible start when Karim Benzema's volley narrowly fizzed past the near post in the opening few minutes.
Then Madrid were gifted the opener after some excellent work from Dani Carvajal down the right. The Spain full-back got past two defenders and crossed with the outside of his boot, before Daniel Wass headed into his net.
Gareth Bale was linking up well with Benzema on the left and should've made it 2-0 but Valencia goalkeeper Neto made a smart stop.
Madrid dominated the first 45 minutes but after the break, it was a different game entirely. Santi Mina and Gabriel were guilty of missing huge chances before Thibaut Courtois pulled off a stunning save to deny substitute Michy Batshuayi.
And against the run of play, Madrid sealed the points when Carvajal crossed for Benzema. He laid it off to Vazquez who slotted into the corner.
It wasn't pretty but the three points and a clean sheet will do wonders for Solari's men as they bid to close the gap on Barcelona.
