Los Merengues had to twice comeback from a goal down through Gonzalo Higuain and Jose Maria Guti (45 and 86), after Roberto Soldado and Juan Albin's earlier strikes.

Higuain hit his 18th goal of the season when he scored his team's winner on 90 minutes.

The win keeps Real second in the table with 75 points, three points less and one game more than leaders Barcelona.

Former Real prodigy Soldado opened the score line through a well-placed header past Iker Casillas in the tenth minute.

Higuain equalized by taking advantage of a lose ball after Raul's header before rounding the keeper and slotting home.

Uruguayan midfielder Albin restored the visitors' lead in the 83rd minute courtesy of a shot from the edge of the Real box.

Guti levelled the score three minutes later before Real conceded a penalty after a late tackle from Pepe on Gavilan. The Portuguese was dismissed as a result.

Higuain ensured Real's win with a powerful effort from outside the area right before the final whistle.

The win is Real's 16th out of their last 17 Liga games under coach Juande Ramos.

Watch the game's goals