Barcelona's Lionel Messi broke Gerd Muller's record of 85 goals in a calendar year with a brace in the 2-1 win over Real Betis on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid needed a late strike from Mesut Ozil 24 hours previously to secure the points against Real Valladolid and keep their slim La Liga hopes alive for another week.

Manucho twice handed Valladolid the lead, but Jose Mourinho's side fought back to claim the vital win. However, they remain five points behind Atletico Madrid, who thumped Deportivo La Coruna 6-0 on Sunday.

Malaga also returned to form on Saturday with a 4-0 win over Granada, while Valencia won away to Osasuna, and Real Sociedad and Getafe shared the points in a 1-1 draw.

Levante were also among the goals on Sunday as they hit Real Mallorca for four, while Athletic Bilbao secured a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo.

Here, Sports Mole picks its 11 star performers from La Liga following another pulsating weekend of action in Spain.

Willy Caballero (Malaga)
The 31-year-old was in inspired form as his side recorded a 4-0 win over Granada on Saturday. The away side had eight attempts on target, but he kept his clean sheet intact.

Carlos Martinez (Real Sociedad)
The 26-year-old rescued a late point for Sociedad in the 1-1 draw with Getafe on Saturday, but it was his defensive display that kept his side in the match for large periods.
Jesus Gamez (Malaga)
While his teammates were busy scoring the goals in Saturday's victory against Granada, the 27-year-old was as calm as ever in defence and provided attacking support where necessary. It was a fine all-round display from the Spaniard.
Jonas Ramalho (Athletic Bilbao)
The 19-year-old defender was the star performer as his side beat Celta Vigo on Sunday. Based on this display he could be anything he wants to be.

Wakaso Mubarak (Espanyol)
The 22-year-old midfielder was a driving force in his side's 2-2 draw with Sevilla on Friday. His all-action display encompassed Espanyol's spirit and fight.
Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid)
The German struck two goals as Madrid twice came from behind to beat Valladolid on Saturday. Who knows? His strike might have kept his side in the title race.
Joaquin (Malaga)
The Spanish winger scored the opening goal as his side thumped Granada on Saturday. It was his keenness to probe and influence that opened the door for his teammates to prosper.
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Two goals for the Argentine against Real Betis took him into a class of his own with 86 goals in the calendar year of 2012. Will that record ever be broken? Is he the greatest ever?

Manucho (Real Valladolid)
Didier Drogba in disguise? Manucho was in inspired form as he scored twice in his side's defeat to Real Madrid. His aerial prowess in both penalty areas made him such an asset.
Obafemi Martins (Levante)
Following a host of spells abroad, Martins has finally found a home at Levante. Another goal and an assist in the 4-0 win against Real Mallorca further raised his stock. He was the best player on the pitch by a million miles.
Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid)
The Colombian striker scored an incredible five goals as Atletico thumped Deportivo La Coruna 6-0 on Sunday. Will someone break the bank for him in January?