Real Madrid affirmed their improvements with a 3-1 win at Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Gareth Bale scored his 100th Real Madrid goal as they beat Atletico in the Madrid derby to overtake their rivals into second place.
Casemiro put Real ahead with a volley but Antoine Griezmann equalised after scoring a one-on-one.
Sergio Ramos restored the visitors' lead with a penalty and Bale converted from Luka Modric's pass to ensure the win.
Atletico ended with 10 men after Thomas Partey was shown a second yellow.
Real coach Santiago Solari stated, “It was a team win and there's no other way to get something here against a solid and competitive side, particularly when they're playing at home. We were strong in every facet of the game. It's probably our best performance since December.
“It was a very complete display and that's the only way we were going to take anything here against a team who are better every year. They're a great side with a fantastic coach, we head home very happy. We were good at the back, up top, we pressed brilliantly and were solid on set-pieces, both offensively and defensively."