Second-half goals from Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo earned Real Madrid a 2-0 win at struggling Elche that moved them four points clear at the top of the Primera Division.
Benzema, who had earlier had a goal ruled out for offside, tapped home the opener before Ronaldo powered home a header to seal the points.
Victory ensured the visitors took full advantage of Barcelona's home defeat to Malaga to further strengthen their hold on top spot.
A last-minute winner from captain Xabi Prieto saw Real Sociedad win a seven-goal thriller against Sevilla 4-3 to pick up their first win in four matches.
Imanol Agirretxe volleyed David Moyes' side in front shortly after a quarter of an hour but Timothee Kolodziejczak headed in an equaliser just before half-time.
Prieto restored La Real's lead from the penalty spot at the start of the second half but Sevilla turned the game around thanks to a header from Carlos Bacca and a penalty from substitute Kevin Gameiro.
However, with nine minutes remaining, Alejandro Arribas put the ball through his own net to make it 3-3 and Prieto struck again in injury time to decide the game.
Aritz Aduriz netted a late winner as Athletic Bilbao beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 at San Mames.
The visitors had numerous chances to take the lead in the first half, but Athletic came out on top after dominating the majority of the second half as they returned to winning ways.
The three points see Ernesto Valverde's men move up two spots to 12th in the Primera Division, while their opponents drop down a place to 14th with four defeats from their last five La Liga matches.
Luciano Vietto came off the bench to secure an under-par Villarreal side a 1-0 victory over Eibar.
Thanks to a blunder by Eibar goalkeeper Xabier Irureta, the Argentinian struck the winner in the 72nd minute, just moments after coach Marcelino had introduced him.
Vietto's 11th league goal of the Primera Division season allowed Villarreal to capitalise on Sevilla's defeat at Real Sociedad and move to within one point of the Andalusians in fifth place.
Aritz Aduriz netted a late winner as Athletic Bilbao edged a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano at San Mames on Sunday.
The visitors had numerous chances to take the lead in the first half, but Bilbao came out on top after dominating the majority of the second half as they returned to winning ways.
The three points see Ernesto Valverde's men move up two spots to 12th in the Primera Division, while their opponents drop down a place to 14th with four defeats from their last five La Liga matches.