Vinicius Junior starred and Real Madrid steadied the ship as a 3-0 win over Leganes put them on the brink of the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
Vinicius, the 18-year-old Brazilian signed by Madrid last summer, capped an electric display at the Santiago Bernabeu with a stunning volley, his third goal for the club and the team's third of the night.
By then, Sergio Ramos had converted a first-half penalty and Lucas Vazquez doubled the advantage to set Madrid on their way to a much-needed first victory of 2019.
It will take a seismic comeback for Leganes to overturn the deficit in next week's second leg but more important to coach Santiago Solari was the rhythm regained, following two La Liga games without a victory.
The home crowd, who had whistled and waved white handkerchiefs on Sunday after the loss to Real Sociedad, were also treated to the sight of Brahim Diaz making his debut, the 19-year-old coming off the bench following his move from Manchester City.
Vinicius was the shining light, however. The striker was alive to every ball in the final third and his finish, a sweet shot with his body off balance, was a triumph for technical talent.
"He is taking big steps," Solari said afterwards.
"He has always had the ability but to develop it and show it in the Bernabeu, alongside so many great players, speaks of his confidence and his courage."
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