Real Madrid have have pulled six points clear of Atletico Madrid in La Liga, thanks to a 3-1 victory over Real Betis.

The visitors thought that they had opened the scoring after 10 minutes when Ruben Castro tapped in from close range after Diego Lopez had saved Joel Campbell's effort.

However, it was not counted as the linesman had his flag raised for offside.

Los Blancos steadily began to gain the upper hand and Cristiano Ronaldo nearly put them ahead in the 25th minute, but Adrian was on hand to make a vital stop.

Betis should have taken the lead in the 41st minute when Dorlan Pabon found Castro inside the box, but headed over Lopez's crossbar.

That sent Madrid in leading at the break, and they went forward looking for a second after the restart.

It was a lovely through-ball from Ronaldo that set Gonzalo Higuan free in the 57th minute and the Argentine kept a cool head to slot home.

The points looked to be staying at the Bernabeu, but a rash challenge by Nacho on Casto allowed Jorge Molina the opportunity to claw one back from the spot.

Lopez guessed the right way but was unable to stop it from burying in the top corner of the net.

Pepe Mel's side then threw caution to the wind and began to press for a leveller, which nearly came in the 88th minute.

Castro nearly capitalised on a mistake by Ricardo Carvalho, but his shot came back off the crossbar and Raphael Varane was able to clear off the line from the rebound.

Despite a few nervy moments, the points were wrapped up thanks to Ozil's second of the game in injury time.