Real Madrid went into their game with relegation threatened Racing Santander on Saturday looking to extend their lead at the top of La Liga, as Barcelona played Valencia on Sunday (19th February).
It didn't take long for the home side to take the lead when Kaka's shot was blocked by Tono and the Brazilian headed back across goal - Cristiano Ronaldo had the easiest of headers at the back post.
It was Ronaldo's 28th league goal of the season.
Racing's chances of getting any points from the game were severely damaged when Ronaldo's cross was handled by Domingo Cisma in the 38th minute.
Replays showed that contact was minimal, but the referee gave the defender a second yellow card and his marching orders.
Real Madrid got their second in first-half stoppage time when Xavi Alonso slipped a free kick through to Karim Benzema and the French international clipped the ball over the Racing 'keeper.
Replays showed that Benzema may have been marginally offside when the ball was played.
Angel Di Maria made his first appearance of 2012 when he came on in place of Mesut Ozil, and the Argentine didn't take long to make an impact when he cut inside from the right flank and unleashed a shot which the outstretched Tono couldn't reach.
Real Madrid wrapped up their win with a fourth goal in the 89th minute, Racing appeared to have shielded the danger, but the ball came back into the box and Benzema dispatched his 13th league goal of the season.
Jose Mourinho's team have now won 18 of their last 19 league games.
SNTV