KARIM BENZEMA went some way to justifying the €35 million Real Madrid paid for him when his 61st minute goal secured a scrappy 1-0 home win over Real Mallorca in La Liga last night.

Former Olympique Lyon forward Benzema picked up a pass on the edge of the penalty area, created space for himself and sent a low shot past Mallorca’s Israel goalkeeper Dudu Aouate.

The win prevented Real from slipping further behind leaders Barcelona, who were seven ahead before kick-off after beating Racing Santander 3-0 on Saturday.

Pedro, Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta scored the goals that that earned Barca a 14th consecutive league victory.

Malaga took the lead at Mestalla when Jose Rondon stroked in an 11th-minute opener, but were quickly down to 10 men as Martin Demichelis was sent off for tripping Juan Mata in the area.

The Spain winger levelled from the penalty spot, only for Malaga’s Rondon to score again from a free kick in the 35th.

Substitute Roberto Soldado equalised for Mestalla with a low shot soon after the re-start. Malaga then lost defender Helder Rosario to a straight red card in the 65th after he shouted at the linesman, and another Valencia substitute Ever Banega fired the hosts in front at a corner two minute later.

Malaga pressed forward and with 10 minutes left Julio Baptista cut inside and drove a fierce shot past Vicente Guaita to level the score at 3-3, only for Aduriz to send them home empty handed with a last-ditch winner.

In Seville, Brazil striker Luis Fabiano scored with a header, a penalty, and a shot from the edge of the area in the 4-1 win over Levante.

Atletico Madrid lost 1-0 at struggling Sporting Gijon, while surprise packages Espanyol continued their fine run with a 3-1 comeback win at Getafe.