Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid all won this weekend as the top three in Spain moved onto 60 points after 24 matches.

However, the battle for fourth position was thrown wide open following home defeats for Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal, with Real Sociedad capitalising on their misfortunes to keep their own hopes alive.

Week 24's action opened on Friday evening as Elche held Osasuna to a goalless draw, with both sides now five points outside of the relegation zone with 14 fixtures remaining.

Atletico ended a run of three straight defeats in all competitions by beating Real Valladolid 3-0 in the opening match on Saturday, before in-form Levante moved into the top half of the table with a 1-0 win over Almeria.

Barcelona returned to winning ways on their own patch with a 6-0 thrashing of Rayo Vallecano, but Villarreal's top-four ambitions were harmed as they were beaten 2-0 by Celta Vigo at El Madrigal in a match that saw play abandoned for 20 minutes after a gas canister was thrown onto the field.

Basement outfit Real Betis' problems continued as they lost 1-0 at Granada in Sunday's opener, before Getafe made it nine matches without a league win by losing 3-0 at home to Real Madrid, who have not tasted defeat in any competition since the end of October.

Espanyol ended Bilbao's unbeaten league record at San Mames this season with a 2-1 win in the penultimate match on Sunday, before the points were shared in a highly-charged goalless draw between Sevilla and Valencia at the Estadio Ramon.

The week's action concluded on Monday as Malaga's problems deepened with a 1-0 home defeat to Sociedad, who are now just four points off the top four.

Here, Sports Mole selects its 11 star performers following another pulsating weekend of La Liga action.

Diego Alves (Valencia)
If it wasn't for the heroics of Alves, 10-man Valencia would have been beaten at Sevilla on Sunday. The Brazilian stopper denied Ivan Rakitic from the penalty spot in the second period, while he made a number of terrific saves as the pressure increased in the latter stages. His performances have played a key role in Valencia's recent upturn in form.

Diego Colotto (Espanyol)
It was the Argentine's goal that secured all three points for Espanyol in their 2-1 win over Bilbao, but that alone does not gain him a spot in this team. The centre-back was in terrific form on Saturday as he dealt with the physical challenge posed by Aritz Aduriz at San Mames. The 32-year-old's organisational skills were invaluable this weekend.
Jeremy Mathieu (Valencia)
Alongside his goalkeeper Alves, Mathieu put in a man-of-the-match display as Valencia drew 0-0 with Sevilla at the Estadio Ramon. The French defender was a tower of strength in the centre of the defence, while he was prepared to put his foot on the ball when possible. He is arguably the most-improved La Liga defender this season.
Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)
It was been a shaky couple of weeks for Atletico and their back four, but the capital outfit returned to winning ways with a 3-0 success against Valladolid on Saturday. Godin was his usual calm and composed self in the middle of the back four, while the 27-year-old got his name on the scoresheet with a header late on.
Joseba Zaldua (Real Sociedad)
The 21-year-old only stepped into the Sociedad first team this season, but the Spaniard has looked right at home in recent weeks. He was given another starting role in Monday's 1-0 win over Malaga and the full-back passed with flying colours. Strong in the tackle and composed in possession, it was a fine all-round performance from the youngster.

Pape Diop (Levante)
Diop is another that is enjoying a fine season and the midfielder continued his strong recent form in Levante's 1-0 win over Almeria at the weekend. Alongside Simao Junior, the 27-year-old formed a defensive shield that has worked so well in recent weeks. The Senegalese was also prepared to break forward when the opportunity arose.
Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
Is there a better midfielder in La Liga at the moment? The Croatian continued his stunning recent form in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Getafe on Sunday - capping a terrific all-round performance with his side's third in the second period. The 28-year-old was class personified each time he had possession of the ball.
Fabian Orellana (Celta Vigo)
It didn't quite happen for Orellana in the early part of the season, but he has found his shooting boots in recent weeks. The 28-year-old was once more on the scoresheet as Celta beat Villarreal 2-0 on Saturday evening. The home side just could not deal with the Chilean's pace and movement in the final third.

Jese Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
Another week, another La Liga goal for Jese Rodriguez, who has been one of the stars of the season. The Spaniard, who has been tipped to make the La Roja squad for the World Cup, opened the scoring in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Getafe on Sunday afternoon. The 20-year-old's composure and blistering pace makes him such an asset for Los Blancos.
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Messi's two goals in Barcelona's 6-0 win over Rayo took the Argentine onto 208 La Liga goals. That total moved him above former Real Madrid forward Alfredo di Stefano and alongside Los Blancos legend Raul in third position of the all-time scorer list in Spain. The 26-year-old is supposedly out of form, but has returned to the scoresheet in recent weeks.
Sergio Garcia (Espanyol)
The Espanyol skipper led by example as his side beat Bilbao 2-1 at San Mames on Sunday. It was the 30-year-old's terrific finish that moved the away side into the lead after just six minutes, while he led the line in impressive fashion. Everything good about Espanyol's performance came through the former Barcelona youngster.