This could ultimately be known as the weekend that Real Madrid handed Barcelona the Spanish title, with the Catalan outfit moving 13 points ahead of the current La Liga champions.

Barcelona were victorious on Sunday as they recorded a 4-1 win over their nearest challengers Atletico Madrid, but Real Madrid dropped home points against lowly Espanyol.

Saturday saw Granada's five-match winless run continue with a draw against Real Sociedad. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao picked up the three points in a 1-0 win over Real Mallorca, but Getafe and Osasuna could only secure a share of the spoils.

Malaga also solidified their spot in fourth position on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Sevilla, who collapsed in the second period after a fine display in the opening half.

Sunday brought yet more drama as Levante and Rayo Vallecano both picked up wins away to Real Zaragoza and Valencia respectively in an unpredictable weekend of action.

Here, Sports Mole selects its 11 top performers from Spain following another exciting weekend of action in La Liga.

Kiko Casilla (Espanyol)
The 26-year-old has been second choice in recent seasons, but he put in a stunning display as his side drew 2-2 with Real Madrid. I suspect that the Spanish outfit will have to play him or risk losing him in January.

Borja Ekiza (Athletic Bilbao)
The 24-year-old has emerged as one of the most talented defenders in Spain this season and was a key member of the Bilbao side that defended impressively during their win over Real Mallorca.
Carlos Martinez (Real Sociedad)
The Spaniard was part of the Sociedad defence that kept a clean sheet in the draw with Granada. He made a host of important challenges and his distribution was of the highest order.
Martin Demichelis (Malaga)
Has there been a better defender in the league this season? The Argentine was in fine form against Valencia as his side kept their 14th clean sheet in 26 games. It is easy to see why they have the best defensive record in the league this season.
Jordi Amat (Rayo Vallecano)
Amat was simply sensational as Rayo recorded a 1-0 win over Valencia on Sunday. He threw his body into challenges time after time as his side secured a famous result.
Adriano (Barcelona)
It says something when you are keeping Dani Alves out of the team. Adriano justified his inclusion in the win over Atletico Madrid with a stunning goal in a fine all-round display.

Ignacio Camacho (Malaga)
His side had to face up to increasing Sevilla pressure during the first half of their clash on Saturday, but he was such a force in midfield and allowed those more creative to cause the danger.
Geoffrey Kondogbia (Sevilla)
The Frenchman was sacrificed towards the end of their defeat to Malaga, but his performance throughout his involvement was sensational. He was big, strong and powerful and is on his way to the very top.
Joaquin (Malaga)
The 31-year-old really is enjoying an impressive season. It was his run that gained the penalty for his side against Sevilla. Meanwhile, his distribution and calmness allowed Malaga to claw their way back into the match.

Sergio Garcia (Espanyol)
The striker was given the lone role in his side's meeting with Real Madrid and he scored a wonderful opener in their 2-2 draw. He was prepared to run the channels and did not give the opposing defence a moment.
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Messi has been in this team for the past six weeks, mainly due to the fact that he has scored a brace in each of his last six league games. Another double against Bilbao took his tally to 90 goals for the calendar year.