Gonzalo Higuain scored two goals to give 10-man Real Madrid a much-needed 2-0 win over Getafe that trimmed Barcelona's lead at the top of the Spanish league to one point after the defending champions drew 1-1 at Osasuna.

Higuain put Madrid ahead 1-0 in the 53rd minute, chesting down Marcelo's pass from the left and taking his time before shooting yesterday. He scored his second three minutes later, running on to Karim Benzema's pass and shooting low past goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.

Madrid defender Raul Albiol was sent off in the 27th minute. It was an improved performance by Madrid after Tuesday's humiliating 4-0 loss to third-division club Alcorcon in the first leg of the fourth round of the Copa del Rey, a result that brought speculation that coach Manuel Pellegrini was about to be fired.

"For me, it was very important to give the Bernabeu a game played with spirit," said Pellegrini. "From a spiritual point of view, I was looking for a game like this."

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique scored an injury-time own-goal on a cross from Javier Camunas for Osasuna to steal a point.

Seydou Keita broke the stalemate in the 71st after a swift passing move by Barcelona around the area saw the Malian control Carles Puyol's cross from the right and score from close range his sixth goal of the season.

"Both teams had chances," Camunas said. "When Barcelona went ahead it looked like they were comfortable ... But you have to have faith." Barcelona leads with 23 points. Madrid has 22. Sevilla is third with 19 after a 2-0 victory at 19th-place Xerez. Atletico Madrid lost 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao to remain near the bottom of the standings.

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