Real Madrid closed the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona to two points with a 3-0 win over Almeria on Wednesday evening.
Strikes from James Rodriguez and Alvaro Arbeloa either side of an own goal from Mauro dos Santos were enough for the home side to turn the heat back up on fierce rivals Barca.
Carlo Ancelotti's men were unable to breach a stubborn Almeria defence until a minute before half time when James struck to give the frustrated hosts the advantage at the break.
The European champions should have been ahead inside the first five minutes but James could only head over from Arbeloa's cross.
Cristiano Ronaldo then had a couple of chances in quick succession when he headed over the bar moments after forcing a save with a shot at Almeria goalkeeper Ruben Martinez.
The visitors almost took a shock lead before the half-hour mark when Thomas Partey found Sebastian Dubarbier only for the latter to miss the target when well placed.
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With the first half petering out, Colombian international James struck a volley to give the home side the lead.
Los Blancos extended their advantage less than five minutes into the second half when Ronaldo's effort took a deflection off Dos Santos.
Raphael Varane almost put the result beyond doubt on 69 minutes when he headed Toni Kroos's corner narrowly wide.
Ex-Liverpool defender Arbeloa eventually made it 3-0 inside the final six minutes when he finished from close range after being set up by Isco.
Paul Gorst
