Real Madrid strengthened their status atop the La Liga standings with a 3-0 victory over Sporting Gijon, on Saturday at El Molinon.

Winger Angel Di Maria put Los Galacticos on the board first with a great goal that he created on his own, as he worked the end line, and slipped the ball past goalkeeper Juan Pablo Colinas.

The scored would remain 1-0 going into halftime, and Los Galacticos would finally extend their lead in the 64th minute when forward Cristiano Ronaldo scored on an uncontested shot as Sporting's offside trap failed to get the flag. On the replay, it appeared that Ronaldo was on side, but the Portuguese star still took advantage of the free space and eluded Colinas following the fine through-ball from Di Maria.

Real Madrid kept their 2-0 lead into the 80th minute when Sebastián Eguren picked up his second yellow card for a bad foul. Brazilian defender Marcelo would later score in stoppage time against under-manned Sporting to close out the match.

Sporting didn't play defensive as the home club took 10 shots, with five on goal. Real Madrid, however, took 20 shots with seven on goal, and controlled possession for 66 percent of the match.

Meanwhile, Barcelona, who have played 15 games, are still three points behind leaders Real Madrid, who have played 14 games. The Catalans trounced Levante on Saturday.

Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are obviously concerned with the results of their rivals, as the La Liga title looks to be a two-club race once again.

Here the highlights from the Sporting Gijon - Real Madrid match:

Real Madrid Video Real Madrid