Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini was pleased that his charges managed to come away with three points against Deportivo.

The Los Merengues walked out at the Riazor having not won at the ground for the past 18 years.

With Karim Benzema in fine form, Madrid managed to secure all three points in their bid to keep pace with league leaders Barcelona.

Speaking after the game, Pellegrino told Marca, "The team that won today will be similar to that which plays against Espanyol."

"We tried to win from the start, and even though it wasn't a final, we knew it was an important game against a tough rival. I am pleased because this is traditionally a tough ground for us, and we played well, especially in the first half.

"Although we were under pressure in the end with the penalty, I was confident. The League will be open until it is mathematically impossible.

"This team will fight until the end."

Barcelona also won their game on Saturday night against Sporting Gijon by a slender one-goal margin.