Luka Modric scored a wonder goal as Real Madrid avoided an embarrassing result Sunday and secured a late 2-1 win against 19th-placed Granada.
The long-range strike came in the 85th minute, the Croatian's first in La Liga this season. It kept Madrid in the title hunt on a weekend when rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid also captured victories.
Fighting for its top-flight existence, Granada came into the match with seven losses in its past 10 league encounters. It peppered Madrid with shots throughout the first half, but Karim Benzema opened the scoring in 30th minute with ease, running into the penalty area unmarked before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Andres Fernandez.
Youssef El-Arabi dispatched the equaliser for the host in the 60th minute - just 120 seconds after emerging as a substitute - after the visitor gave away possession cheaply in midfield.
The unlikely result, however, couldn't hold. Modric launched the winner mere minutes before the end of regular time.
Madrid is still in third place with 50 points, four behind leader Barcelona.
