Real Madrid have opened up a four-point lead at the top of La Liga courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna this evening.

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The game began at breakneck speed and Iker Casillas had to produce a reaction save to prevent Isaac Cuenca from giving the visitors a seventh-minute lead.

Cristiano Ronaldo then went close with an overhead kick before hitting the bar with another attempt a few moments later.

Gareth Bale then rattled the woodwork with a powerful drive as Madrid cranked up the pressure, with Karim Benzema also going close.

Midway through the first half, Isco put Los Blancos a goal ahead with a curling finish after Ronaldo had uncharacteristically miscued a shot from close range.

Two minutes after the opener, Ronaldo was presented with the chance to double Real's lead with a free kick on the edge of the box, but he sent it straight into the hands of Fabricio.

Celso Borges almost drew Deportivo level three minutes after the interval as he collected a quickly-taken free kick and cracked a shot towards goal, but it cannoned back off the foot of the post.

The European champions struggled to create many openings against the well-organised visitors, but eventually doubled their tally in the 73rd minute when Benzema scooped Ronaldo's pass over the outstretched hands of Fabricio.

Bale forced a good save from Fabrico late on before Ronaldo scuffed his lines from close range, but Real eased to victory nonetheless.