Miranda and Diego Costa moved Atlético Madrid six points clear at the top of La Liga with a 0-2 win at Elche.

Málaga were soundly beaten 3-0 by Athletic Bilbao on Monday night, Aduriz scoring twice and Ander getting the third for the home side. Athletic are looking likely to be playing in the Champions League next season.

Atlético Madrid are now three points clear at the top of La Liga after a 0-2 win at Getafe on Sunday evening.

Di Maria, Bale, Isco and Morata all scored as Real Madrid enjoyed a 4-0 win over Almeria on Saturday night. Real are now second in La Liga, on the same points as Atlético but having played one game more than the leaders.

Barcelona’s hopes of retaining their La Liga title took a bit of a knock after they lost 1-0 at lowly Granada, Brahimi scoring the only goal of the match in the sixteenth minute.

Málaga have all but guaranteed their survival in the top flight after a 4-1 win over Granada at La Rosaleda.

A penalty converted by Messi, an own goal by Jordi and a proper goal from Messi gave Barcelona an unconvincing 3-1 win over bottom club Real Betis, Castro replying for the visitors.

A 14th minute header from Raul Garcia was enough for victory against Villarreal and keeps Atlético Madrid at the top of La Liga for another week, at least.

Real Betis took a first half lead against Málaga thanks to a goal by Reyes, but two late goals from Juanmi and Darder saw the Blue and Whites leave with the three points in the bag.

After two successive defeats, Real Madrid returned to winning ways with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday evening.