Madrid had trailed Betis following a howler by goalkeeper Keylor Navas in the first half.

However Cristiano Ronaldo equalised in the 41st minute and Ramos scored a bullet header from a corner nine minutes from time -- moments after Betis defender Cristiano Piccini was shown a second yellow card for his foul on Lucas Vazquez.

The win gives Zinedine Zidane's men 62 points from 26 matches, two points more than second-placed Barcelona who have played an extra game.

Lionel Messi and Barcelona slumped to defeat at Deportivo La Coruna.

Barcelona missed a chance earlier to go clear at the top of the league as they were beaten 2-1 by Deportivo La Coruna.

Luis Enrique's side fell back to earth with a bang following their Champions League heroics against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek.

Joselu put Deportivo ahead in the 40th minute but Luis Suarez had Barca level within a minute of the second half kicking off.

However, Alex Bergantinos secured all three points with a header in the 74th minute.

Roberto Soldado scored the winner just before half-time to move Villarreal to fifth place with a 1-0 defeat of Celta Vigo.

Villarreal's third straight league win moved them above Real Sociedad in the standings. Both teams have 48 points, but Villarreal are ahead on goal difference.

Celta, winless in four league games, played without some regular starters ahead of their Europa League round-of-16 match at Russian team Krasnodar on Thursday. Celta won the first leg 2-1.

Athletic Bilbao strengthened their hold on seventh place with a 2-0 win at fifth-placed Real Sociedad.

Raul Garcia put Ernesto Valverde's side ahead from the penalty spot in the 28th minute after Xabi Prieto fouled Yeray Alvarez.

In the 56th minute Inaki Williams took advantage of an underhit backpass by Alvaro Odriozola to double Athletic's advantage and secure all three points.