Barcelona were emphatic 4-0 winners against Sevilla and the gap at the top remains six points after Real Madrid beat Getafe 3-2.
Iniesta opened the scoring for Barcelona after only three minutes and then Eto’o added a second to put them two up after fifteen minutes. Xavi added to the tally just after the restart and Thierry Henry rounded things off shortly afterwards.
Sevilla, however, for so long looking secure in third spot, are now only two points ahead of Valencia after their 1-2 win at Betis. David Villa scored both goals for Valencia, Oliveira getting a late consolation goal for Betis.
The Blue and Whites battled from behind to overcome Osasuna 2-3 and maintain their challenge for a place in Europe next season.
Málaga took an early lead after Apoño was tripped up in the penalty area, Apoño himself rattling the ball home from the spot, but Plasil scored an equaliser a short while later. Nekounam then curled in a free kick to give Osasuna a 2-1 lead at half-time.
The Blue and Whites continued to battle and in the 71st minute, Lolo headed the ball into the net and then five minutes later, Salva scored what would turn out to be the winner.
The situation wasn’t really helped that much by the fact that four players were given their marching orders during the match, Puñal (Osasuna) and Gámez (Málaga) just before the break and Josetxo and Vadocz (both Osasuna) in the second half.