Madrid, Feb 14 (DPA) Real Madrid increased the pressure on Spanish leaders Barcelona Saturday with a 3-0 romp away to bottom team Xerez, with all the goals coming in a seven-minute burst midway through the second half.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his return to action after a two-match suspension with two handsome goals, both of them created by Kaka.

Real are now just two points behind leaders Barcelona, who are away to Atletico Madrid Sunday with a makeshift defence due to injuries and suspensions.

The game in Xerez was preceded by a minute's silence for former Real player and coach Luis Molowny, who died Friday aged 84.

A week of heavy rain in southern Spain caused a muddy pitch, which made good football difficult. The only clear chance that Real managed to create in the first half came just before the interval, when Ronaldo headed an Alvaro Arbeloa centre against the crossbar.

It was Arbeloa who broke the deadlock in the 65th minute, finishing calmly after being put through by Esteban Granero. The overworked Xerez defence then collapsed, allowing Ronaldo to score twice within two minutes.

In the 70th minute the Portuguese megastar made it 2-0 by heading in a Kaka centre. Two minutes later the generous Kaka again set up Ronaldo, who scored with a low drive.

The important win will put Real in good heart ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash away to Olympique Lyon.

Earlier on Saturday, Valencia did well to battle out a 1-1 draw away to Sporting Gijon, a result which leaves them third, 10 points behind Real.

'This was a difficult game for us,' said Valencia captain Carlos Marchena.

'They took an early lead and really made us work hard for the draw,' he added.

Diego Castro gave Gijon the lead with a ferocious long drive in the sixth minute. Valencia dominated from then on, with Marchena and David Villa hitting the woodwork.

The long-awaited equalizer finally came 13 minutes from time. The impressive Ever Banega played Juan Mata through and the Spain striker made no mistake with his trusty left foot.

Gijon came back strongly at the end and veteran Valencia keeper Cesar had to pull off a sharp save from Mate Bilic in injury time.

Saturday's late game will see Athletic Bilbao away to Villarreal.