Madrid should have added to their lead, but Ronaldo was denied by goalkeeper Diego Alves while Karim Benzema and Mahamadou Diarra also missed good chances.

CNN: Real Madrid win cuts Barcelona's lead

Lionel Messi capitalized on the chance and chipped the ball over the wall and into the corner of the net with Almeria goalkeeper Diego Alves caught flat-footed.

CNN: Real Madrid go top in Spanish La Liga as Barca held

Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves had to save twice from Germany midfielder Sami Khedira before Ronaldo made headway down the left and crossed for Di Maria to tap into an empty net.

CNN: Ronaldo inspires Real Madrid to rout at Valencia