Real Madrid's Brazilian duo Eder Militao and Casemiro struck in the second half to secure a 2-0 home win over stubborn Osasuna on Saturday and keep the heat on La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.
Defender Militao finally prised open the visitors by heading home from a corner in the 76th minute for his first league goal of the season.
Midfielder Casemiro made sure of the points four minutes later with a fortuitous strike when he attempted to control a through ball from Karim Benzema and sent it trickling into the bottom corner of the net, flummoxing keeper Sergio Herrera.
The win took second-placed Real to 74 points from 34 games after Atletico had moved onto 76 by riding their luck to win 1-0 at Elche earlier on Saturday. Fellow title rivals Barcelona and Sevilla are in action on Sunday and Monday respectively.
READ MORE
Try to be Mourinho and I'll fail, Real Madrid coach Arbeloa says
Alonso leaves Real Madrid, Arbeloa appointed as coach
Hold on, the best in Afcon is yet to come
'Grateful' Alonso feels Real Madrid stars' support amid slump
