Real Madrid are now top of the La Liga table, after their victory over Real Sociedad on Sunday night.
The goals from Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema was enough for the Zinedine Zidane’s side to seal a hard-fought victory over Sociedad.
The 2-1 victory on Sunday night and the goalless draw between Barcelona and Sevilla on Friday, meant that Real Madrid and Barcelona are now on the same points, but Madrid take are topping the La Liga table due to their superior head-to-head record.
There was controversy when substitute Adnan Januzaj thought he had made it 1-1 with a strike from outside the area but it was ruled out for a Merino offside. Merino did not get a touch but the officials deemed he was blocking goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ view, so interfering with play.
Their sense of grievance grew when moments later Benzema controlled a Federico Valverde cross with his shoulder before firing home. The goal stood after a video assistant referee review for handball.
Madrid looked comfortable at that stage but Merino rifled a shot in via the underside of the crossbar, after a cross from substitute Roberto Lopez, to keep the closing minutes interesting.
The visitors’ biggest problem from the game came when Ramos was injured soon after his goal and needed an ice pack on his leg in the stands.
Madrid – who have only won one La Liga title since 2012 – are now eight victories away from winning the league.
Barcelona host Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday with Real at home to Mallorca the next day.