Real Madrid did enough to defeat Getafe yesterday.
Sergio Ramos celebrated his return from injury with the match-winner on 18 minutes, muscling in to head home a Mesut Ozil corner from six yards.
While Madrid failed to add to the defender's goal they were rarely threatened and were able to afford the second-half profligacy of Karim Benzema.
Real No2 Aitor Karanka said: "We have many players with character and strong personalities, and these games show it. It wasn't easy to win here and we did well to keep the final score.
"The notebook we handle has the position each player should cover. It's normal for a coach and his staff to have one."The win strengthened Jose Mourinho's side position ahead of Barcelona at the summit.