Madrid  - Defiant Real Madrid moved up to within three points of Spanish leaders Barcelona on Tuesday, with an astonishing 3-2 comeback win over naive Getafe.

With just four minutes remaining in the Estadio Bernabeu, with the score at 2-2, Getafe veteran Francisco Casquero missed a penalty in the most absurd fashion possible.

And in the very last minute of injury time, Gonzalo Higuain punished Casquero for his stupidity by making it 3-2 with a left-foot drive.

Thus ended the most memorable and heart-stopping game of the season - with Real celebrating an improbable win, and Getafe kicking themselves for throwing it away.

"We knew that we had to win tonight," gasped a breathless Higuain, "and we did it, despite all the suffering."

The whites have won 15 of their 17 league games since Juande Ramos took over as coach from Bernd Schuster in December.

Once again, they did not play well, but won thanks to their industrial efficiency and their legendary never-say-die spirit.

They now have 75 points from 32 games, just three less than Barcelona, but having played a game more. Barca are at home to third- placed Sevilla on Wednesday.

Former Real forward Roberto Soldado headed Getafe into the lead after just 11 minutes but Higuain levelled for Real right at the end of a scrappy first half.

Getafe had less of the ball but the better goal chances. Juan Albin made it 2-1 six minutes from time with a crisp left-foot drive, only for Real veteran Guti to quickly equalize with a powerful free-kick.

Then the real drama began. Pepe committed a clumsy penalty on Casquero and got himself sent off for lashing out at the Getafe man. Casquero ridiculously tried a silly chip with his penalty - a la Anton Panenka of 1976 style - allowing Iker Casillas to catch the ball easily.

Thus reprieved, Real stormed forward and Higuain hit the winner with his left foot.

In Tuesday's other game, Athletic Bilbao moved out of danger with a 2-1 win away to bottom side Numancia, with goals from Gaizka Toquero and Fernando Llorente.

The latest defeat practically condemns low-budget Numancia to what will be their third relegation within eight years. (dpa)