Real Madrid received an important boost in confidence as Zinedine Zidane's depleted team fought to a 3-1 victory over Levante on Wednesday.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been critical of his team-mates after the 1-0 loss to their city rivals on Saturday, only to later insist his comments had been "misinterpreted", converted a 34th-minute penalty to break the deadlock at Estadio Ciudad de Valencia.
An unfortunate own goal by Levante goalkeeper Diego Marino doubled Madrid's lead four minutes later, only for the hosts to almost immediately pull one back through Brazilian forward Deyverson.
However, Madrid's ninth successive win over Levante was wrapped up in injury time when Ronaldo's cut-back from the right byline set up substitute Isco.
The result sees Zinedine Zidane's side close the gap to second-placed Atletico back to four points, and they now sit four clear of nearest rivals Villarreal, who drew 0-0 at Celta Vigo.
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