Barca, missing a host of defenders through injury and suspension, face a tough trip to Atletico Madrid tomorrow evening.

Atletico always seem to raise their game against the Catalans and Madrid will be hoping for a favour from their city neighbours.

But Manuel Pellegrini's side had to keep their side of the bargain first in order to close to within two points of Pep Guardiola's side.

They dominated virtually throughout on a stodgy pitch, but had to be patient as Xerez held out for more than an hour.

Alvaro Arbeloa finally put Madrid in front after 64 minutes, before Ronaldo's quick brace finished off the spirited Andalusians.

Madrid, with Ronaldo restored to the side following his two-match suspension for elbowing Malaga's Patrick Mtiliga, started slowly.

And the first real chance fell to Xerez, when Momo latched on to Carlos Calvo's pass and lashed a fierce drive which Iker Casillas, in his 500th league match for Madrid, must have been glad to see sail over the bar.

Ronaldo saw a header saved by Renan Brito at the other end as Madrid woke up in attack.

The Portugal forward then badly mishit another effort after he was set up by Esteban Granero and also crashed a header against the crossbar just before half-time.

Momo also squandered a decent opportunity before that as Xerez looked to upset their illustrious visitors.

Madrid had the best of the half and should have been ahead, but the two teams went in on level terms at the break.

The game restarted, but promptly stopped again as a supporter interrupted play, pleading justice for his murdered son.

When play resumed once more, Madrid struggled to carve open the visitors.

Ronaldo blasted over the bar and saw another effort punched away by Renan as the visitors sought for the elusive breakthrough.

The former Manchester United star was below his brilliant best in front of goal, although that would soon change.

When the breakthrough finally arrived, however, it came from an unlikely source.

Arbeloa joined the attack, got behind the Xerez defence and beat Renan with a low shot to settle the visitors' nerves with 64 minutes gone.

After that, it was plain sailing for Pellegrini's side.

Ronaldo headed home from Kaka's cross after the Brazilian had got to the byline with 20 minutes left.

And the duo combined again to put the visitors out of sight just a minute later.

This time, the unselfish Kaka squared for the better-placed Ronaldo to finish simply and seal what, in the end, was a comfortable victory.

It could have been even more comprehensive for Madrid, but Juan Luis Redondo cleared Royston Drenthe's shot off the line after Raul's effort had been saved by Renan with seven minutes left.

Pellegrini's side are now provisionally two points behind Barcelona, with the Catalans in action at the Vicente Calderon tomorrow.

Xerez, meanwhile, remain rock bottom with just 11 points from 22 games and look unlikely to be playing the likes of Real Madrid next season.