Real Madrid defeated Getafe 1-0 in a match which saw David Beckham red-carded.
Real Madrid defeated Getafe 1-0 at El Bernabeu in a match which saw David Beckham controversially dismissed midway through the second half.
Ronaldo's 18th minute strike was enough to secure the three points for Wanderley Luxemburgo's side but they were made to play the final half an hour with only 10 men.
Beckham was given a straight red card by referee Fernando Vitienes after a forceful tackle on Getafe's Riki, an incident which appeared to warrant no more than a caution.
Real Betis' struggles at the foot of La Liga continued with a 2-1 defeat at Celta Vigo.
The visitors were always up against it from the moment Nestor Cannobio shot Celta into a fifth minute lead.
Fernando Baiano doubled his side's lead just a quarter of an hour later prompting Betis fears that it may turn into a drubbing.
As it was Edu claimed a late consolation for Betis who were reduced to ten men in the dying moments when Oscar Lopez was dismissed for a second bookable offence.
The victory for Celta sees the club into the giddy heights of third while Betis remain second bottom.
In the evening's final match a 12th minute strike from former Chelsea misfit Mateja Kezman had looked to be enough for Atletico Madrid to claim a narrow 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao.
However it was not to be as La Liga's bottom club rallied to score a last-gasp equaliser through Pablo Orbaiz
Click below for a match summary:
Celta Vigo 2-1 Real Betis
Real Madrid 1-0 Getafe
Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Atletico Madrid
