A controversial goal from Real Madrid midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart after 55 minutes was vital as his side came back from a goal down to beat Sporting Gijon.

Real Madrid was trailing 1-0 to a David Barral goal when Van der Vaart clearly used his hands to control a ball that Sporting goalkeeper Juan Pablo had failed to hold, before scoring the equalizer.

Xavi Alonso and Gonzalo Higuain then added further goals that momentarily take Real three points clear of FC Barcelona at the top of the BBVA Primera Liga.

With both Kaka and Karim Benzema injured, Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini continued with Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.

Meanwhile Lassana Diarra played in central midfield alongside Xabi Alonso.

The first half was a tight affair with Real Madrid controlling the ball but failing to create many clear cut chances against a well organized Sporting defense.

Higuain and Ronaldo both had chances but were unable to beat a well positioned Juan Pablo.

The game sprang into life in the second half. Pellegrini replaced Diarra with Guti looking for more projection in midfield and to speed up his side's passing.

However, Sporting opened the scoring after 54 minutes. Barral ran into the right of the Madrid area and smashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.

A minute later Madrid was level in controversial fashion. Ronaldo hit a free kick from 30 yards which Juan Pablo palmed into the path of Van der Vaart. The Dutch midfielder clearly controlled the ball with his hands before hitting the ball home from around 10 yards out. Juan Pablo's protests only earned him a booking form referee Paradas Romero.

The league leader took the lead after 57 minutes, Ronaldo headed a corner towards goal and Alonso got the finishing touch.

When Higuain made it 3-1 on 68 minutes following a run and low shot, there was no doubt that the points were staying in the Bernabeu, however, Sporting and perhaps Barcelona fans will point to Van der Vaart's goal as the moment that changed the game.