Raul's 200th Liga goal helped Real Madrid extend their lead at the top of La Liga to eight points after a fortuitous 2-1 win over Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu, while Atletico Madrid slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Real Zaragoza.

The winner came with 18 minutes remaining after Raul was brought down by Tottenham target Daniel Jarque on the edge of the box, referee Cesar Muniz Fernández incorrectly adjudging the foul to have taken place inside the area.

The Real captain made no mistake in sending the spot kick into the bottom right corner to complete the comeback after Gonzalo Higuain bundled in Marcelo's cross just before half-time.

Espanyol had taken the lead when Valdo finished Luis Garcia's cross just before the half hour.

Referee Muniz also dismissed Espanyol striker Raul Tamudo after the final whistle, showing him a second yellow card, both for dissent.

Barcelona can close the gap back to five points if they beat Villarreal in the weekend's last match.

Real's local rivals Atletico, meanwhile, spurned the chance to go third after throwing away a 1-0 lead by scoring an own goal and conceding a penalty at Zaragoza.

The Rojiblancos took a 25th-minute lead when Portugal attacking midfielder Simao curled a superb shot into the top right after superb interplay between Gonzalo Higuain and Diego Forlan.

But the hosts were level soon afterwards when Pablo inadvertently diverted a Juanfran cross past Christian Abiatti, admittedly under pressure from former Real Madrid full back Carlos Diogo.

And, after spurning several opportunities to take the lead through Forlan, Maxi Rodriguez and Higuain - thanks in part to good goalkeeping from Cesar - an unnecessary heel-clip from Simao on Sergio Garcia gave Zaragoza a penalty that Diego Militi duly converted with 19 minutes left on the clock.

Atletico had several chances to equalise - with Forlan twice missing gilt-edged opportunities - but Zaragoza held on for the win.

Zargoza move up from 17th to mid-table, although results on Sunday could push them back closer to the relegation zone.

Reda Maher / Eurosport