A stoppage-time strike from Ruud van Nistelrooy gave Real Madrid a dramatic 2-1 victory over Real Betis in an explosive affair.

Another former Manchester United player, Gabriel Heinze, had given Madrid the lead but the visitors' night turned bleak when Sergio Garcia equalised and Marcelo was sent off.

But Garcia was himself red-carded, after notching his first goal for the club, and Van Nistelrooy stole the points to ensure Madrid's fourth successive win.

Madrid coach Bernd Schuster recalled Van Nistelrooy to the starting line-up after he was rested during Wednesday's 7-1 win over Sporting Gijon.

Fellow Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart scored a hat-trick in that game and he continued his rich run of form - but this time as provider.

Van der Vaart's free-kick from the left was met by the unmarked Heinze to put Madrid in front after 19 minutes.

The former Hamburg midfielder attempted to get on the scoresheet himself but a stinging 25-yard shot brought a fine save from Betis keeper Espinosa Casto.

Arjen Robben and Ruben De La Red were causing constant problems for Betis' backline as they pulled the full-backs out of position with ease and regularity.

Despite being under pressure, Betis remained in the game and kept the deficit down to the solitary goal but they were struggling to create clear-cut chances in front of goal.

Betis' greatest threat was proving to be Abella Damia, who drove forward from midfield with menace in the opening half-hour. He forced a good save from Iker Casillas from 20 yards.

The Spain goalkeeper then made a great save at the near post to deny Achille Emana on the stroke of half-time.

The equaliser arrived in the 53rd minute. Betis' Jesus Capi raced into the Madrid area and Brazilian Marcelo, who had already been booked, tangled with the forward and brought him down.

The referee pointed to the spot and then pointed Marcelo to the dressing rooms.

Casillas saved Garcia's initial strike but the forward dispatched the rebound.

Down to 10 men, Madrid surrendered the initiative and almost the lead.

Garcia and Emana both had efforts in the following mintues but Casillas and then Heinze blocked as Madrid were forced on to the defensive.

But Betis failed to make the most of their numerical advantage as they could not split a densely-packed Madrid defence.

And the game swung again with eight minutes remaining.

Garcia, who had been cautioned just before half-time, cynically tripped substitute Roysten Drenthe and was promptly red-carded.

A heartened Madrid side piled forward in search of a winner.

And after a futile 10 minutes it came with former Manchester United frontman Van Nistelrooy running onto Robben's pass and firing a shot across Casto and into the far corner of the net.

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