Real Madrid moved clear at the top of La Liga for the first time since May 2012 thanks to a 2-0 win over Granada at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring on 57 minutes, as set up by Luka Modric, he rifled home his 31st goal of the season.
Karim Benzema sealed Los Blancos' ninth consecutive win 12 minutes from time when he slotted home Marcelo's low cross.
However, it was not a great afternoon for Gareth Bale as he was on the end of a rough challenge from Jeison Murillo early on and was eventually substituted at half-time.
Madrid lead Barcelona and Atletico Madrid by two points, but both can move back to the top with wins over Malaga and Rayo Vallecano respectively on Sunday.
"Tonight we will sleep better than we have on other Saturdays, but we have to keep fighting because it is not always easy as the first-half today showed," said Real boss Carlo Ancelotti.
And the Italian also allayed fears that Bale would be sidelined for any period of time by the injury that forced him off.
"After the knock he received he didn't feel comfortable. It just disorientated him a little bit and we thought it best to bring him off.
"He will be fine for the next game."
The afternoon started in celebratory mood for the hosts as Ronaldo paraded the Ballon d'Or in front of the home fans.
Ronaldo nearly got off to a blistering start as he cut inside onto his right foot and blasted a shot wide of the target on six minutes.
