Real Madrid shaded a seven-goal thriller against Real Sociedad to return to winning ways in La Liga, but they remain 16 points behind Barcelona, who thumped Espanyol at the Nou Camp on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid were denied victory on Sunday as they conceded late on to draw 1-1 with Real Mallorca. Celta Vigo did pick up three much-needed points, however, with a 3-1 win over Real Valladolid.

The action began on Friday as Real Betis recorded a 2-1 win over Real Zaragoza to keep their assault on the top four alive, before four more fixtures took place one day later.

Saturday was also full of drama as Levante picked up a 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao, before Valencia recorded a 2-1 away win against Granada. Deportivo La Coruna also picked up a vital three points against fourth-placed Malaga, before Sevilla scored late on to secure a much-needed victory against struggling Osasuna.

Here, Sports Mole selects its 11 top performers in Spain following another pulsating week of action in La Liga.

Willy Caballero (Malaga)
The experienced goalkeeper was on the end of a 1-0 defeat against Deportivo at the weekend, but it would have been more comprehensive but for his heroics between the sticks. It is no surprise that his side have the best defensive record in the division this season.

Christian Lell (Levante)
The 28-year-old opened the scoring in his side's win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, but it was his defensive presence and ability in the air that impressed the most. The result moved Levante into sixth spot in the table.
Adil Rami (Valencia)
There are not too many better defenders in La Liga than the Frenchman. He was in imperious form once more on Saturday as he helped his side to a 2-1 win over lowly Granada. It is understood that there are clubs monitoring the experienced defender.
Carlos Marchena (Deportivo La Coruna)
Everything had to be right in defence for Deportivo to beat Malaga on Saturday, and it was. The ball was like a magnet to the experienced Spaniard's head as he cleared the danger on each occasion. It was just a perfect display from the former Valencia man.

Pedro (Barcelona)
The Spanish winger had gone 22 matches without a goal before Sunday's match against Espanyol. However, he ended that run with a fine double in his side's 4-0 win over their close rivals.
Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo)
It is no secret that a number of European clubs are monitoring Aspas's progress with a fairly low release clause in his contract. Another double against Real Valladolid helped his side to three points in an all-action display from the Spaniard.
Ever Banega (Valencia)
The 24-year-old has found first-team opportunities hard to come by this season, but his performance against Granada will certainly have made his case for more minutes. His calmness in possession was of the highest order.
Xabi Prieto (Real Sociedad)
The 29-year-old midfielder scored three goals against Real Madrid on Sunday, but it was not enough to earn Sociedad a point. When his side struggled for possession in the second period, he was prepared to hassle the home side's midfield.
Joel Campbell (Real Betis)
The 20-year-old has not been a regular scorer for Betis this season, but his workrate and attacking presence were major contributors in his side's win over Real Zaragoza on Friday. His parent club Arsenal will have been impressed with his recent performances.

Pizzi (Deportivo La Coruna)
The 23-year-old was in fine form as his side recorded an impressive win over Malaga. Not only did he score the only goal of the match, but his movement terrorised a back four that have the best defensive record in the league.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Just when Madrid needed the Portuguese skipper, Ronaldo answered with two goals in their win over Sociedad in the Spanish capital. He was handed the captain's armband for the evening and led by example throughout the 90 minutes.