Real return to the top of La Liga

MADRID, Spain -- Real Madrid returned to the top of Spain's La Liga and maintained their unbeaten record but were made to work hard for their 2-0 victory by Real Betis in the Bernabeu on Thursday night.

Real's captain and talismanic striker Raul finally broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 66th minute after he had been pulled down by Betis midfielder David Rivas.

A spectacular bicycle kick strike from Brazil international Julio Baptista sealed the three points in the closing moments.

"We had several chances in the first 20 minutes and the game would have been much different had we scored," Raul was quoted on Real's club Web site.

"They defended very well and also had their opportunities. It was a complicated match, but we were able to take the three points. It may not have been our best match, but winning is all that matters."

Defending champions Real have 13 points from five games with a one point lead over Villarreal and Valencia who both won on Wednesday. Arch-rivals Barcelona are a further point adrift.

Real had by far the better of the opening phase but it was Seville-based Betis who came closest to scoring in the first half as Rivas hit the post with a header just before the interval.

The Bernabeu crowd were getting restless by the time Raul won and converted his penalty but their nerves were not helped when Mark Gonzalez hit the post again for Betis as they searched for an equalizer.

Baptista's superb second snuffed out the Betis threat and defeat leaves them third from bottom with only two points in the bag. E-mail to a friend