REAL Madrid trimmed the gap with leaders Barcelona back to five points after a Karim Benzema double fired them to a 3-1 win at Deportivo LA Coruna on Saturday night.

Barca had laid down a marker with a 1-0 victory at Sporting Gijon earlier in the day but Manuel Pellegrini’s Real shrugged off the absence of the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo and injured top scorer Gonzalo Higuain to keep pace with the champions.

Undefeated Barca have 52 points from 20 matches, Real are on 47.

Real had not won at Deportivos Riazor stadium in 19 years but Benzema went close early on for the dominant visitors before a defensive howler gifted them the lead in the 13th minute.

Defender Laure Sanabria attempted to head the ball clear but could only divert it to the unmarked Esteban Granero who sent a powerful header past goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia.

A piece of brilliance from mercurial midfielder Guti created Real’s second for Benzema five minutes before the break.

Kaka raced clear on the left and put Guti through on goal but instead of shooting he backheeled the ball to the France striker, who swept home with Aranzubia stranded.

Riki netted an 87th-minute penalty for Depor after Sergio Ramos had brought the striker down in the penalty area before Alvaro Arbeloa set Benzema up for his second in added time.

Meanwhile, Villarreal have sacked coach Ernesto Valverde following yesterday 2-0 Primera

Division defeat at home to Osasuna, the club have announced last night.

Valverde only took over at Villarreal in the summer following Manuel Pellegrini’s departure to Real Madrid.

However, the Yellow Submarine, who finished fifth last year, have had a disappointing season and are 10th in the table following yesterday’s loss.