Real Madrid defeated Villarreal 2-0 to move level on points with arch-rivals FC Barcelona on Saturday night.
There were limited changes by Real after the shock defeat at Lille in the UEFA Champions League, as Aurelien Tchouameni came in for Eder Militao while Kylian Mbappe started.
Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde bagged the opening goal after 14 minutes through a long-range finish that took a deflection following a lay-off by Luka Modric.
Villarreal were extremely close to levelling a minute later through a header by Pepe from a pin-point cross, but he cannoned the woodwork with Lunin well-beaten.
Los Blancos remained composed all-round and in fact could've doubled the tally later on through Kylian Mbappe from a ball by Vinicius Junior, but goalkeeper Diego Conde narrowed.
There were no substitutes made by either side before the commencement of the second half and stuck with the tried and tested from the first spell.
Villarreal got a chance to level matters ten minutes in the resumption through a floating attempt by Alex Baena after lining up for a free-kick, but Lunin drew a save.
Los Blancos brought on a fresh pair of legs around the midway spell of the second stanza in Militao for Camavinga and Mbappe in place of Rodrygo.
The host remained in control all-round though and extended the lead where Vinicius picked up a decent amount of space on the edge of the box and dispatched firmly into the top corner.
Villarreal didn't respond going further behind despite having some moments to get on that pathway, and the defending champions collected the victory to keep pace with the leaders FC Barcelona.