Real stay top after strolling to 4-1 win over Racing

Real Madrid strolled to a 4-1 home win over Racing Santander on Saturday to ensure they will retain top spot in the first division no matter what their rivals do this weekend.

Luis Figo opened the scoring when he converted from the penalty spot after Ronaldo was adjudged to have been brought down as he followed up a Raul shot on 13 minutes.

Zinedine Zidane extended Real's lead two minutes before the break when he ghosted in at the far post to head home a perfectly-flighted Figo free kick.

Racing pulled a goal back almost immediately after the restart when French midfielder Mehdi Nafti netted with a deflected low drive from the edge of the area.

But young striker Javier Portillo, who had come on for Ronaldo at halftime, made it 3-1 when he slotted in after Raul had beaten the offside trap and unselfishly squared the ball to his unmarked team mate.

Fellow substitute Guti wrapped up an easy win with the best finish of the night when he curled in from the edge of the area with a delightful left foot shot 13 minutes from time.

Defending champions Valencia and title hopefuls Deportivo Coruna will be aiming to stay in touch with the leaders when they host Atletico Madrid and Villarreal in their respective matches later on Saturday.

Radomir Antic's Barcelona, who also play later, will be looking to continue their league revival in their game against Valladolid at the Nou Camp.