Real Madrid's struggles continued this weekend as they were held to a 0-0 draw by basement club Osasuna, leaving them an incredible 18 points behind Barcelona, who overcame Malaga 3-0.

Atletico Madrid also extended their lead over Real Madrid to seven points on Sunday, while Real Betis' European charge continued as they recorded an impressive 2-0 victory over Levante.

Real Sociedad and Deportivo La Coruna were also in action on Sunday, with the points being shared in a 1-1 draw.

Athletic Bilbao and Rayo Vallecano opened the action on Friday and it was the away side that continued their sensational run of form with a 2-1 victory over the Basque outfit. Saturday also brought a host of drama as Real Valladolid, Espanyol and Valencia were all victorious.

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

Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid)
Chelsea have some replacement for Petr Cech that is for certain. The 20-year-old continued his stunning form with a towering display in his side's 2-0 win over Real Zaragoza on Sunday. He didn't have a lot to do, but he oozed class each time he was called into action.

Joan Capdevilla (Espanyol)
The 34-year-old turned back the clock with a fine display in his side's win over Celta Vigo on Saturday. The fact he was still galloping down the line in the 88th minute tells you everything that you need to know about his performance.
Damia (Osasuna)
The 30-year-old Spaniard was Osasuna's most impressive defender in their 0-0 draw with Real Madrid. He had Gonzalo Higuain and then Karim Benzema to contend with, but neither could get the better of the experienced centre-back.
Adil Rami (Valencia)
The Frenchman will certainly have impressed watching scouts as he put in another towering display in his side's win over Sevilla on Saturday. The ball was like a magnet to his head and he also impressed on the ground.

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
If it wasn't for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Iniesta would be comfortably the best player in the world. He was on top form once more as he controlled the tempo in his side's 3-1 win over Malaga.
Sami Khedira (Real Madrid)
He is not the most technically gifted player in the Real Madrid midfield, but the German kept things together despite their struggles against Osasuna. He also made two timely interceptions in the final moments.
Patrick Ebert (Real Valladolid)
The German midfielder has been one of the best talents in La Liga for some time now. He scored a fine double in his side's 3-1 win over Real Mallorca to further highlight that point. It was a fine all-round display from the 25-year-old.
Lass (Rayo Vallecano)
The 20-year-old was among the goals once more as he struck the opener in Rayo Vallecano's 2-1 win away at Athletic Bilbao on Friday. His performance had everything you would want from a wide player. European scouts in attendance will have been impressed.

Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Messi in the team again? How on earth can he be left out? The Argentine was up to his old tricks once more as he scored the opening goal before providing the second in his side's 3-1 win over Malaga on Sunday.
Joel Campbell (Real Betis)
The on-loan Arsenal striker was a real handful as he scored Betis' opening goal in their win over Levante at the weekend. The youngster's willingness to run the channels also allowed his fellow attackers space in the middle of the pitch.
Roberto Soldado (Valencia)
Valencia's match with Sevilla was hardly a classic, but Soldado was the real shining light as he grabbed both goals in the 2-0 win. He is well on his way to being the top-scoring Spaniard in La Liga once more.