The top four in Spain all picked up wins in week 12 of La Liga, but Real Betis's struggles continued as defeat at Malaga on Sunday evening left them in the relegation zone.
There were also victories for Celta Vigo, Almeria, Real Sociedad, Granada and Valencia on another pulsating weekend of football in Spain's leading division.
Week 12's action began on Friday evening as Barcelona made it 11 wins from 12 matches with a 1-0 victory over Espanyol, with Alexis Sanchez grabbing the winner in the second period.
Real Sociedad's turnaround in form continued on Saturday with a 5-0 win at home to Osasuna, before Almeria made it back-to-back league success with a 1-0 victory over a poor Real Valladolid side.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano 3-2 in the penultimate match on Saturday evening, before Celta Vigo surprisingly won 1-0 at Sevilla.
Sunday's action opened in Madrid as Valencia recorded a 1-0 win over Getafe, before Atletico Madrid moved one point behind leaders Barcelona with a comfortable 2-0 victory over an in-form Athletic Bilbao.
Granada were also victorious as they won 1-0 at Levante, before Malaga eased their relegation fears with a 3-2 triumph over Real Betis, whose troubles show no sign of ending.
The week's action was completed on Monday evening as Elche welcomed Villarreal. It appeared that the match was heading for a goalless draw between the two newly-promoted outfits, but Ikechukwu Uche had other ideas, with his late strike securing all three points for the Yellow Submarine.
Here, Sports Mole picks out its 11 star performers in La Liga following another dramatic weekend of action.
Roberto (Granada)
Piti's late strike secured all the points for Granada at Levante on Sunday, but that would not have been possible had their goalkeeper not been in fine form. The 34-year-old demonstrated his standing as one of the best keeper in the division with an incredible second-half display. At least three of his seven saves were of the highest standard.
Nelson (Almeria)
Those in attack will receive the plaudits for Almeria's recent turnaround in form, but Nelson has been a key contributor. The 30-year-old demonstrated his ability to attack and defend in equal measure in his side's 1-0 win over Real Valladolid on Saturday. The right-back was also calm and composed in possession, especially in the latter stages of proceedings.
Sidnei (Espanyol)
The centre-back might have been on the end of a defeat at Barcelona on Friday evening, but that took nothing away from his performance. Time after time Barcelona struggled to find a way through the Espanyol defence, with the 24-year-old a key contributor. After a shaky start to the season, the Brazilian has started to find his feet in La Liga.
Inigo Martinez (Real Sociedad)
Martinez was among the scorers as his side put five unanswered goals past Osasuna on their own patch on Saturday. The Spaniard was an attacking threat from set pieces, but he was also called into action to deal with a number of high crosses into his own box. It is no surprise that the 22-year-old is already a senior international with Spain.
Miranda (Atletico Madrid)
Miranda is a regular in this particular team, but it is difficult to leave him out. The Brazilian was once more at his best in Atletico Madrid's 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. Not only was the centre-back dominant in the air, but he also demonstrated his under-rated ability on the ball. It is no surprise that Atletico have the best defensive record in the league this season.
Andreu Fontas (Celta Vigo)
The ex-Barcelona defender put in another fine performance in Celta Vigo's 1-0 win at Sevilla on Saturday. If you are to win at the Estadio Ramon, then you need your defence to play well. That was indeed the case at the weekend with the 23-year-old in strong form in both defence and attack. He is turning out to be one of the signings of the season.
Alex Lopez (Celta Vigo)
Lopez's goal secured all three points for Celta Vigo in their 1-0 win over Sevilla on Saturday, but it was his all-round performance that earns him a spot in this team. Not only was the 25-year-old an attacking threat throughout the 90 minutes, he was also prepared to do the dirty work in midfield. It was a complete midfield performance from the Spaniard.
Verdu (Real Betis)
It has taken Verdu time to settle at Real Betis this season, but on his day he remains one of the finest midfielders in the league. His day came on Sunday as he scored a stunning free kick in his side's 3-2 defeat at Malaga. He might have been on the losing side, but he ran the show in the middle of the park throughout the 90 minutes.
Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad)
Griezmann took his total to seven league goals for the season with a 56th-minute strike in Real Sociedad's 5-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday. The 22-year-old has had his problems in the past, but he is without question an incredible talent. Everything good about Sociedad at the weekend came through the Frenchman.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Ronaldo moved joint-top of the La Liga goalscoring charts with a double in Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday. The Portuguese is certainly enjoying playing with Gareth Bale, who provided another two assists at the weekend. Lionel Messi's form in front of goal might have stalled, but Ronaldo continues to set individual records.
Jonathan Viera (Rayo Vallecano)
Both of Viera's goals in Rayo Vallecano's 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid on Saturday came from the spot, but it was his overall performance that edges out a number of strikers this week. The on-loan Valencia forward was a constant threat to Carlo Ancelotti's side throughout the La Liga contest, while his willingness to get on the ball inspired those around him.
