Madrid, Feb 15 (IANS): Real Madrid moved four points ahead of FC Barcelona at the top of La Liga but failed to produce a performance that will banish doubts about their current form as they worked hard to defeat Deportivo la Coruna 2-0.
Isco and Karim Benzema scored the goals Saturday, that kept the points in the Bernabeu, against a rival, who were with a chance of taking a point until Benzema sealed the win with just over 15 minutes remaining, reported Xinhua.
The game took place in the wake of the fallout following Real's 0-4 defeat to Atletico Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo's controversial birthday party a few hours later.
Strangely, neither Ronaldo nor any of the players, who were at that event were singled out for criticism by the fans at the Santiago Bernabeu but Iker Casillas and Gareth Bale, who never attended the festivities, and coach Carlo Ancelotti were booed before kick-off.
Bale's response was a 17th minute shot, which rattled the woodwork but before then Deportivo had caused a few scares of their own with Carvalho seeing a shot parried by Casillas and Isaac Cuenca curling a shot inches wide of the Real Madrid goal.
After Bale's shot hit the bar, Isco put Real Madrid ahead after good work by Bale down the right. The Welshman's cross was knocked down by Benzema. Although Ronaldo was unable to score, the ball fell to Isco, who curled past Deportivo keeper Fabricio from the corner.
The second half began with Real Madrid struggling to take control and Deportivo threatening through Oriol Rieira, whose shot was parried by Casillas.
Real Madrid were struggling to control the midfield and Deportivo at times looked comfortable moving the ball in the home side's half to the increasing irritation of the fans in the stands.
Lucas Silva made his Real Madrid debut, when he replaced Asier Illaramendi with just under 20 minutes remaining, shortly before Benzema doubled his side's lead.
Deportivo were caught flat-footed as they pushed for an equaliser and a combination between Arbeloa, Ronaldo and Benzema ended with the Frenchman lifting the ball over Fabricio and into the goal via the post.