Real Madrid rewrote the club's record books after beating Malaga 2-1 to record their 16th successive win in all competitions.

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Goals from Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale proved decisive as the European champions continued their phenomenal run of form which has seen them brush aside every opponent since going down to Atletico Madrid on September 13.

Madrid were made to sweat a bit at the end after losing former Malaga midfielder Isco to a red card before seeing Roque Santa Cruz pull a goal back in stoppage time, but they held on for a win which lifts them five points clear at the Primera Division summit.

Todos los goles de Málaga CF (1-2) Real Madrid… by LaLigaES

Espanyol came from behind to beat Levante 2-1 on a rain-soaked evening at the Power8 stadium to pick up their first win in six matches.

Jose Luis Morales gave the visitors a 12th-minute lead which was quickly cancelled out by Felipe Caicedo, but nine minutes before half-time Sergio Garcia scored a tremendous goal which proved to be a worthy winner.

Garcia accelerated beyond three Levante defenders to cut inside and wrap his left foot around the ball, sending it curling into the far corner from 20 yards out.

Athletic Bilbao survived a late scare to beat Getafe 2-1 away from home and bolster their fine recent record to an impressive four wins in six league matches.

Mikel San Jose and Benat struck towards the end of either half to earn victory, with Angel Lafita's injury-time reply coming too late for Getafe.

In the late kick-off, Eibar overcame hosts Celta Vigo 1-0 thanks to Manu Del Moral's goal on the half hour.