Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice on Saturday night as his side came from a goal down to defeat Hercules in Alicante to remain atop in the Spanish first division league.
The Portuguese international's 11th and 12th goals of the night both came in the last 10 minutes as Madrid clawed their way to three points.
The BBVA Primera Liga leaders had fallen behind to a third minute goal from David Trezeguet who buried a free header from the heart of the Madrid penalty area.
Hercules defended well but a horrible mistake from goalkeeper Cayatalud gave Di Maria a simple tap in seven minutes after the break.
Cristiano Ronaldo makes a gesture after scoring in the Spanish first division league on Oct. 30.
Madrid sensed the win, but it was not until the closing minutes that Ronaldo secured all three points, sidefooting home after Benzema's shot had been saved and finishing smartly after a neat pullback from his mch-criticized companion.
Madrid's win put the pressure on FC Barcelona, but the reigning champions responded with a brilliant 5-0 win at home to Sevilla.
Leo Messi scored two goals, David Villa added a brilliant duo to end his personal drought, while Dani Alves was alert to score with a close range volley.
Sevilla hardly had a chance and the game was over as a contest when Konko was sent off just before halftime.
Valencia and Zaragoza kicked Satuday off with a disappointing 1-1 draw in Mestalla.
Zaragoza defender Lanzaro scored for both sides in a result that is of little help to either side: Zaragoza remain without a win in nine matches, while Valencia have failed to win in their last three league games and were booed off the pitch by their demanding fans.