Sergio Ramos headed another dramatic injury-time goal as Spanish league leaders Real Madrid created a new club record of 35 matches unbeaten with a barely deserved win against Deportivo La Coruna.
Real, without the rested Cristiano Ronaldo, fought back from 2-1 down in the final six minutes to restore their six-point advantage over arch-rivals Barcelona, who won 3-0 at Osasuna earlier on Saturday.
Zinedine Zidane’s side laboured in an uninspiring first half which saw Depor midfielder Celso Borges head against the post.
Striker Alvaro Morata’s 20-yard drive shortly after the restart appeared to ease the tension among the home fans.
However, Depor substitute Joselu – on loan from English Premier League side Stoke – swung the match dramatically in favour of the visitors.
He powered in the equaliser with a rising drive into the top-left corner after on-loan Aston Villa midfielder Carles Gil dispossessed Casemiro on the edge of his penalty area.
And Joselu, who came through the ranks at the Bernabeu, increased the nervousness by pouncing on more defensive uncertainty to slot home.
But the drama did not end there.
Real equalised with six minutes left when substitute Mariano Diaz scored his first La Liga goal with a fortuitous effort that flew in off his shoulder.
Then, skipper Ramos – whose late equaliser earned Real a vital draw at Barcelona last weekend – headed in Toni Kroos’ corner to spark jubilant celebrations at the Bernabeu.
It means that Zidane’s men have surpassed Real’s previous record of 34 games unbeaten, set under Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker in 1988-89.