Fullback Lucas Vazquez scored a header in injury-time to give 10-man Real Madrid a 1-0 victory over lowly Alaves on Thursday and take them back to the top of LaLiga.

The late win leaves Real on 45 points, the same number as the season’s surprise package Girona, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Betis. Barcelona are some way back in third on 38 points.

Real created very little in the game in what was ultimately a disappointing display, with their evening taking a turn for the worse when defender nacho received a straight red card on 54 minutes.

But the goal they craved finally came at the death as Toni Kroos’ corner was headed home by Vazquez.

In form Ukraine forward Artem Dovby put Girona ahead at Betis with a penalty in the first half, but they could not hold on.

Their hosts scored the equaliser with two minutes remaining as Argentina centreback German Pezzella scored a stunning goal from outside the box.