Barcelona reinstated their twelve point lead at the top of the table with a 3-1 victory over Sporting Gijón. Samuel Eto’o scored twice in the first half and then Dani Alves added a third midway through the second half.
Kike Matero pulled one back for the visitors within seconds of coming on as a substitute but there was no further revival and Barcelona collected yet another three points.
The Blue and Whites showed resilience as they came from behind to beat Almería 3-2 at La Rosaleda. Goals from Uche and Negredeo put Almería two up at half time.
The second half began with a goal from Luque and then two from Salva to give the Blue and Whites victory. Málaga are currently seventh, but only three points behind third placed Sevilla.