Zinedine Zidane's side on Saturday got a close win against arch rivals, FC Barcelona. Barça went into the game sitting in second place and one point below league leaders Athletico Madrid while being ahead of Real Madrid with just a point. They looked the more motivated side going into the fixture but once again, they lacked the cutting edge especially in front of goal as they stumbled to another heartbreaking defeat.

Real opened the scoring in the 13th minute thanks to a precise low cross from Lucas Vazquez to create the perfect tap in for Karim Benzema. It didn't take too long for Madrid to double their lead though as Toni Kross dealt another blow to the Blaugranas' title hopes in the 28th minute.

Barça weren't going to sit and watch their rivals steal the day and possibly, the title away from them. The Blaugranas tried to stage a resistance in the second half and looked set for another comeback when Oscar Mingueza got their goal of the night thanks to Jordi Alba's assist. However, that was all Barca could manage and even though Carlos Casemiro got sent off in the latter stages of the game due to two late tackles, Lionel Messi and his teammates succumbed to defeat against Real Madrid for the second time this season.

It was quite a disappointing scoreline for the Catalans but they'll hold their heads high and fight on knowing that they are still very much in this title race.