Without Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid won for the first time at Deportivo La Coruna in almost 20 years last night.

Madrid had not won at the Riazor since the 1991-92 season and had been defeated in their last six visits to Depor, but that miserable record was put to bed in style.

Esteban Granero headed Madrid in front early on and Karim Benzema doubled the lead just before the break following an audacious back-heel from Guti.

Depor pulled a goal back in the 87th minute through Riki's penalty, but Madrid restored their two-goal advantage in injury time when Benzema fired home his second of the match.

The victory means Madrid stay five points behind champions Barca, who beat Sporting Gijon earlier in the evening.

Pellegrini said, "The team that won today will be similar to that which plays against Espanyol.

"We tried to win from the start, and even though it wasn't a final, we knew it was an important game against a tough rival. I am pleased because this is traditionally a tough ground for us, and we played well, especially in the first half.

"Although we were under pressure in the end with the penalty, I was confident. The League will be open until it is mathematically impossible.

"This team will fight until the end."