Real Madrid continued their quest for a first La Liga title in five years with a hard-fought victory over Valencia thanks to Marcelo's late winner.

The Spanish giants bounced back from their last-gasp El Clasico defeat by Barcelona last weekend with a 6-2 thrashing of Deportivo La Coruna on Wednesday night and continued in similar fashion against Valencia.

Cristiano's Ronaldo's thunderous header put Real in front at the Bernabeu before Daniel Parejo equalised with a stunning free-kick after the break.

Marcelo had the final say, however, as Real secured a precious three points in the title race.