Goals for Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos saw Real Madrid battle their way to a 2-0 win against Athletic Bilbao in a lively LaLiga encounter on Sunday.
Veteran France international Benzema hooked back a loose ball with a sensational volley to beat Unai Simon in the 24th minute at San Mames Stadium.
Kroos then swept home a breakaway finish in the 90th minute to wrap up the points for Carlo Ancelotti's men and keep the pressure on league leaders Barcelona.
But Ernesto Valverde's side will be left to mull whether they should have taken a point from the encounter after pushing hard for a draw before Kroos' goal ended those hopes.
Following Barca's victory over Getafe, it was imperative for Madrid to ensure they kept pace with a win of their own.
In a first half not short of opportunities, they had the edge over their hosts and demonstrated a shrewd ability to capitalise on their mistakes.
That proved invaluable when Benzema rescued Marco Asensio's wayward header and volleyed home.
Madrid were initially frustrated in their attempts to double the advantage, with Asensio narrowly shooting past the left post in the 66th minute.
Inaki Williams briefly thought he had found the equaliser for the hosts with 13 minutes left, only for the linesman's flag to rule his finish out with an offside call against Gorka Guruzeta.
Athletic's hopes of salvaging a late draw were dashed at the death when Kroos picked off a Rodrygo ball and coolly slotted home from outside the box.
What does it mean? Madrid keep up the heat
Ancelotti's side headed to Bilbao knowing dropped points may prove seriously damaging to their title credentials.
Though they looked at risk of wavering with a one-goal lead, they were ultimately good value for their victory and will take confidence from the result going forward.