After two successive defeats, Real Madrid returned to winning ways with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday evening.
Ronaldo, Carvajal, Bale with two and Morata all found the net and the result leaves them two points behind Barcelona and three behind Atlético, who returned to the top after victory against Athletic Bilbao.
Bilbao went ahead in the sixth minute with a goal from Muniain, but goals from Diego Costa and Koke saw Atlético take the three points as they try to win their first La Liga title since 1996.
Sevilla slipped up at Celta de Vigo, losing 1-0, an 87th minute penalty converted by Nolito deciding the match.