Gareth Bale inspired Real Madrid to come from two goals down to win 3-2 at Rayo Vallecano in a testing workout ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester City.
Madrid were without Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time in a La Liga game this season, due to a thigh problem, and their title bid looked in tatters when Adrian Embarba and Miku put Rayo 2-0 up in just 14 minutes.
Wales star Bale headed Madrid back into the game before the break and then grabbed the winner in the 81st minute after substitute Lucas Vazquez had equalised.
The euphoria of the comeback was punctured, however, by Karim Benzema being substituted after suffering a knock before half-time, and the Frenchman could miss Tuesday's European semi-final first leg in Manchester.
After the match, Zinedine Zidane confirmed Ronaldo will travel for the Champions League semi-final first leg against Manchester City.
