WESLEY SNEIJDER’S 59th-minute goal handed 10-man Real Madrid a 1-0 win against Murcia on Sunday and opened up a nine-point lead over FC Barcelona in the Spanish league.

Sneijder quickly controlled the ball inside the area before sending a right-footed shot into the top right corner of the net.

Madrid took advantage of Barcelona’s 2-2 draw Saturday to stretch the gap to its Catalan rival with six games to play. Madrid has 69 points while Barcelona has 60.

Villarreal failed to keep pace with either after losing 1-0 at Almeria to stay at 59.

A low-key first half at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium was punctuated by 18 fouls and five bookings — including the ejection of Madrid right back Miguel Torres in the 20th.

“After the expulsion we sought out the victory and to win with one man less holds merit,’’ coach Bernd Schuster said.

Madrid’s defense — without injured center back Fabio Cannavaro — didn’t allow Murcia any clear chances while the offense played with little urgency after Sneijder’s eighth goal of the season.

“I’m happy with the result and the way my team played,’’ Schuster said. “Step by step the league is drawing to a close.’’

(SD-Agencies)