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Gonzalo Higuain’s early goal earned stuttering champions Real Madrid a morale-boosting victory tonight against 10-man Valencia.

Madrid had lost four of their previous five league matches and slumped 12 points adrift of leaders Barcelona in the process, but Higuain’s fine left-footed strike brought some early Christmas cheer to the Bernabeu.

Juande Ramos’ side also hit the woodwork twice but second-placed Valencia can consider themselves unfortunate not to have earned a draw after more than matching Madrid up until the point Carlos Marchena was sent off midway through the second half.

The first period was a mixed bag, with Madrid starting off superbly and taking a deserved lead through Higuain but then allowing Valencia to get back into the game.

Madrid were handed the perfect start when ever-improving Higuain scored after just three minutes.

Arjen Robben did brilliantly to slalom his way past two defenders before pulling the ball back to Higuain, who sliced a rising left-footed shot past Renan Brito and into the far top corner for his 11th league goal of the season.

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