A solitary Gonzalo Higuain strike was enough to overcome Racing Santander at the Santiago Bernabeu and move Real Madrid to the summit of La Liga.

In another so-called 'must-win' game for under-fire coach Manuel Pellegrini, Los Blancos secured victory courtesy of Argentine hitman Higuain's first half strike.

The win means that Real’s 100 per cent home record remains intact although they were made to sweat as Racing proved a tough nut to crack.

Pellegrini's men were still without world record signing Cristiano Ronaldo, who has only began light training, but nevertheless at times looked imperious going forward.

Midfielder Xabi Alonso struck the base of the post early on before Kaka drove inches wide from the edge of the box as Los Merengues went for Racing's throat.

The inevitable opener came in the 21st minute when Kaka’s cross caused panic in the visitors box and defender Ezequiel Garay nodded the ball back for Higuain who calmly steered the ball home for 1-0.

Somewhat deflated, the Cantabrians almost capitulated as Real striker Karim Benzema missed a one-on-one, before having a goal disallowed in the second half.

The turn of luck almost paid dividends and the visitors thought that they had snatched an unlikely equaliser thirteen minutes from time.

Former Liverpool midfielder Luis Garcia's back-heeled the ball into the path of Sergio Canales and the 18-year-old turned and drilled in a low shot past Iker Casillas.

However, the linesman had already flagged, although replays appeared to show that the youngster was clearly onside.

Nevertheless, Real held on and afterwards coach Manuel Pellegrini was in a philosophical mood as he praised a hard-fought victory.

"We have to improve. We have won by bigger margins at the Bernabeu playing worse than today," he told Marca.

"I believe the difference between the two teams was greater than one goal. It is always a dangerous lead but we had a lot of chances to score more.

"We hit the post twice. I am happy with the three points and with our defensive security," he added.

The win puts Los Blancos top of the league on 28 points, one ahead of champions Barcelona, who were held 1-1 away to Athletic Bilbao.

Elsewhere, Sevilla continued to show just why they ought not to be underestimated this season as they secured a vital 2-1 win over Tenerife to keep up the pressure on the top two.

As ever, ExtraFootie provides you with the best of the action from a very entertaining clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.