Ronaldo's bullet header helps Real beat Elche

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema (C) celebrates with team mates Gareth Bale (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo after he scored a goal against Elche during their Spanish first division soccer match at the Martinez Valero stadium in Elche, February 22, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

BARCELONA - Cristiano Ronaldo's bullet header helped Real Madrid to a 2-0 victory over a physical Elche side on Sunday as they extended their lead at the top of La Liga to four points.

With Barcelona suffering a shock home defeat by Malaga on Saturday, Real had a chance to go four points clear and they grabbed it with second-half goals by Karim Benzema and Ronaldo.

Although the Portugal forward struck a curling shot against the post after four minutes, Real struggled to break down a team that worked hard and were guilty of some aggressive challenges.

Benzema was unlucky to have a spectacular overhead kick ruled out due to a questionable offside call but he did knock a loose ball in from close range after 56 minutes.

Ronaldo then sealed the victory with a powerful header into the top corner from an Isco cross after 70 minutes.

It was a welcome goal for Ronaldo who has suffered a dip in form since Christmas following an electrifying start to the season and has now moved joint third in Real's all-time list.

The Portuguese now has 290 goals and is level with Carlos Santillana, while Raul is out in front on 323.

"We're trying to rediscover our best form and we know that in a short amount of time everything can change," Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who celebrated his 500th La Liga match, told reporters.

"We received a lot of criticism but now the situation is more relaxed but this situation is normal playing for Real Madrid.

"Our attitude has always been right and it is usual that you have ups and downs in form. When you are down it is when you have to be more united and that has been the case.