Ten man Real Madrid moved a step closer to the Primera Liga title after a hard fought 1-0 win over Real Murcia at the Santiago Bernebeu. Wesley Sneijder grabbed the all important goal.

Defender Miguel Torres got his marching orders in the 20th minute for an ugly challenge on Murcia youngster Daniel Aquino.

Real Madrid looked like they could still dominate the game with 10 men, however. Raul Gonzalez and Arjen Robben both missed great chances to put Real in front.

But it wasn't to be too long until the deadlock was broken, and the only goal came in the 59th minute, just when the packed Bernabeu's fans were beginning to lose patience.

Guti took a quick throw-in, Raul laid the ball back for Sneijder; and the Dutchman fired the ball into the back of the net.

Real Madrid now move ahead nine points ahead at the top of the league after Villarreal dropped points to Almeria.