Real Madrid shrugged off the absences of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka with a superb 3-2 win at Valencia to keep the heat on Liga leaders Barcelona.
A storming second half saw the hosts equalise twice but Argentine centre-half Ezequiel Garay – on as a substitute after a serious knee injury to Pepe – headed home with six minutes left to add to a brace from Gonzalo Higuain.
David Villa and Joaquin were on target for Los Che, who stay third after the defeat but can be caught by Sevilla, who play on Sunday.
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