Real Madrid staged a comeback for the ages when they were able to turn around a 2-0 deficit away to Villarreal to win 3-2in just 19 second-half minutes -against the sidewho hold the best defensive record in the league.
Goals from Gareth Bale -during his first start since November, a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo and the winner from substitute Alvaro Morata wrapped up all three points and put Los Blancos back to the top of La Liga.
Zinedine Zidane's side looked as if they were on the verge of spurning another opportunity in thetitle race, after both championship rivals Barcelona and Sevilla picked up three points on their travels earlier in the day, but the capital city sidewere able to clinch a vital win and put the pressure back on the chasing pack.
"At 2-0 down we had to change something", the 44-year-old coach told theclub website.
"We did so and it worked out well for us. We made an attacking change and enjoyed more possession in their half.
"We knew that we were coming up against a good side, who have being doing fantastically well at home. We had to be patient and our substitutions ended up changing the game.
"It was important for us to get the three points to remain top."
A duo of substitutes - Isco and Morata, were key to Madrid's 86th minutewinning goal.The former's expertly timed challenge in the midfield allowed the ball to be played to left-back Marcelo, whose venomous cross was met by the head of the 24-year-old Spain international striker and found its way into the back of substitute-goalkeeperAndres Fernandez's net - although the 30-year-old Porto loaneeshould have done better.
With the ability to bring on such world class player from the bench, Zidane knows he is in afortunateposition and was keen to show support to those who may be chomping at the bit for more game time.
"There's no doubt that Isco and Morata deserve to get more minutes", the Frenchman said.
"I gave Morata a couple of tactical bits of advice and told him he needed to be in the box to finish any chances and for him to stick on Bruno in the middle when we were defending.
"He got his goal and we're all happy.
"I'm certain that we'll need to call on the whole squad."
The visitor's equaliser was one marred by controversy, as the referee judged Villarreal captainBruno Soriano to have handled the ball in the area and awarded a penalty.
But on closerinspection the ricocheted deflection seemed to strike the 32-year-old's chest following a defensive block to Toni Kroos' long-range effort.
"The players have said that it was a handball", the Madrid boss said after the match.
"I didn't see it from where I was and I'll never interfere with refereeing decisions. He awarded it and that's that."
There were worries in the dying minutes, as Bale appeared to be substituted due to injury in his first start since a lengthy lay-off, but it seems that the change was made as a precaution.
"He's just picked up a knock, that's all there is to it", Zidane rounded off.
The result sees Real Madrid move back to the top of La Liga - apoint ahead of Barcelona, but Los Blancos still hold a game in hand over the chasing pack.
Real Madrid move back into top spot after being temporarily displaced by Barcelona earlier this afternoon. #LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/lcykm2jMKC