Skipper Raul scored Los Merengues only goal of the game on 40 minutes, taking up his personal tally to a remarkable 306 Real goals, one short of Real legend Alfredo di Stefano.

The result enforces Real’s second position in the table with 41 points following the loss of both Valencia and Sevilla.

The hosts had the upper hand throughout the first half, thanks to the solid midfield partnership of Lassana Diarra and Fernando Gago.

Such superiority was transformed to a Raul strike, after the latter was brilliantly released by Diarra.

In the second half, Deportivo pushed forward as Real tried to put the result beyond doubt with a second goal.

Wesley Sneijder had the chance to score after being set up by Raul, but the Dutch midfielder’s back heel missed the Deportivo net.

Real coach Juande Ramos brought on Royston Drenthe on the left, with Arjen Robben shifting to the right. Klaas Jan Huntelaar replaced Gonzalo Higuain.

Despite failing to score again, Ramos' substitutions proved fruitful as Real maintained their lead and avoided late pressure from their visitors.

The result also marks the unfamiliar phenomenon of a strong Real defence. The team conceded only once over their last five Liga fixtures.

Watch Real's goal: