José Callejón rifled in the winner with six minutes remaining as Real Madrid CF recovered from a goal down to beat RCD Mallorca 2-1 and extend their Liga lead to eight points.

Tomer Hemed's first-half header threatened to condemn José Mourinho and his side to only their second defeat in 24 matches in all competitions until Gonzalo Higuaín (72) equalised with a shot which was helped over goalkeeper Dudu Aouate by the sliding Fernando Tissone.

Madrid, hitherto quiet in attack until that point, suddenly came to life and after Cristiano Ronaldo thundered a dipping shot against the crossbar, the onrushing Callejón struck the decisive blow a short while later following a double save from Aouate. FC Barcelona will attempt to cut Madrid's lead when they host Real Betis Balompié on Sunday.

Elsewhere, Real Zaragoza's winless run now stands at 11 league games following a 1-1 draw with Getafe CF, who gained a point courtesy of a Javier Paredes own goal (79).

It also ended all square between Sevilla FC and RCD Espanyol, while Rayo Vallecano de Madrid moved into mid-table thanks to a 2-1 win at Granada CF. Valencia CF, in third, lost 1-0 to Real Sociedad de Fútbol in the late game.