Liga Report: Madrid Sweep Racing Aside

Real Madrid cemented their place at the top of the table with a comfortable 4-1 win against Racing Santander in the Bernabeu.

Goals from Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Javier Portillo and Guti gave Vincente Del Bosque's side victory.

After losing to Racing earlier in the season thanks in part to Pedor Munitits, Madrid refused permission for their on-loan midfielder to play in this encounter.

The move worked, although Munitis' presence may not have changed the final outcome, as the home side outplayed their opponents.

Despite a bright start, Racing were behind after 12 minutes when Juanma pulled down Ronaldo on six-yard line and the referee pointed to the spot.

Figo confidently rolled the ball home and Real were in command.

But it was not until two minutes before the break that the European champions doubled the lead when Zidane connected with a Figo free-kick at the far post to drive home from close range.

But Racing pulled themselves back into just after the interval as Nafti's shot clipped stand-in defender Ruben found it's way past Iker Casillas and into the net.

Despite dominating possession, Madrid almost allowed Santander to draw level as Javi Guerrero pounced on a rebound, but was unable to steer the ball goalwards.

Javier Portillo proved his worth to Madrid as he put the game beyond doubt with 14 minutes remaining as he latched onto Raul's lay-off before slotting the ball under the approaching Erwin Lemmens.

With time running out, Guti completed the scoring as he hammered the ball into the top corner from 16 yards as Madrid stayed clear at the top.