Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 23rd hat-trick – a new record – as Real Madrid beat Celta de Vigo 3-0 to record their 18th straight win, a new club record.
It was also Ronaldo’s 200th goal of his La Liga career.
Giménez de Vargas and Mandzukic were on target for Atletico Madrid as they beat Elche 0-2 to move at least temporarily above Barcelona.
Malaga were 0-1 winners at Deportivo to remain sixth in La Liga, Darder getting the only goal of the match.