The top three in La Liga all won this weekend, but Athletic Bilbao's top-four hopes took a hit as they were beaten 2-0 by Basque rivals Real Sociedad, who now sit just one point off fourth spot after 18 matches.
There were also wins for Almeria, Valencia, Osasuna, Sevilla and Villarreal in the first round of fixtures following the winter break in Spain.
Week 18's action opened from Malaga as Atletico Madrid moved top of the table with a 1-0 win, but Real Betis remain bottom following their goalless draw with Real Valladolid.
Valencia moved into the top eight with a 2-0 win over Levante in the penultimate match on Saturday, before Almeria continued their strong run of form with a 3-0 success over a disappointing Granada side.
Sevilla's incredible unbeaten run continued in the early start on Sunday as they scored three without reply against fellow European hopefuls Getafe, before Barcelona recorded a 4-0 victory over Elche to return to the top of the table on goal difference.
Osasuna moved out of the bottom three with a 1-0 triumph over Espanyol, who dropped to 10th, before Sociedad overcame Bilbao 2-0 to move within one point of the final Champions League position.
Real Madrid scored three second-half goals on Monday evening to record a 3-0 win over a plucky Celta Vigo side, but the game of the weekend occurred in the final match in Madrid.
Villarreal, who hadn't won in the league since November, scored five times against Rayo Vallecano in a 5-2 victory, that result moving them above Sevilla and into sixth position.
Here, Sports Mole selects its 11 star performers following another pulsating weekend of La Liga football.
Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid)
The on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper continued his excellent form with another clean sheet in Atletico Madrid's 1-0 win over Malaga on Saturday. In terms of the modern-day goalkeeper, the Belgian has everything. All of those skills – aerial dominance, shot-stopping ability and composure in possession – were further demonstrated at the weekend.
Marc Bertran (Osasuna)
With Osasuna struggling to score goals in La Liga this season, it is imperative that they are tight in defence. That has not always been the case in the new campaign, but it was this weekend. One of the main reasons for their shutout was the performance of Bertran, who contributed to his side's 1-0 win over Espanyol with a calm, composed display in the back four.
Sebastian Dubarbier (Almeria)
The 27-year-old opened the scoring as his side recorded a 3-0 win over Granada on Saturday evening. The Argentine was a constant threat in the final third, while he also demonstrated his defensive qualities during key periods of the match. It was an all-action display from the under-rated defender.
Inigo Martinez (Real Sociedad)
It is not too difficult to see why Barcelona are believed to be among his interested suitors. The Spanish international was at his best this weekend as Real Sociedad beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in the Basque derby. Not only was the centre-back calm and composed in possession, he was also a dominant aerial figure throughout the 90 minutes.
Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona)
Another week, another classy performance from Fabregas. He still might not be considered first choice in the big matches, but he has been the pick of Barcelona's midfielders so far this season. That was also the case on Sunday as he contributed to their 4-0 win over Elche with another assist. The Spanish international has now assisted 10 goals and scored seven in La Liga this season.
Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia)
In a more familiar midfield position, the 24-year-old was the shining light in Valencia's 2-0 win over Levante on Saturday afternoon. The advanced playmaker scored his side's second after 73 minutes, but it was his overall work-rate and ability on the ball that impressed the most. Everything good about Valencia came through Feghouli.
Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla)
Can Sevilla keep their skipper beyond the transfer window? The Croatian was again in wonderful form this weekend as he scored his side's third in their 3-0 victory over Getafe. He now has eight goals in the league from midfield, while he has registered six assists. A number of European clubs are expected to make an approach this month.
Moi Gomez (Villarreal)
With Cani and Bruno unavailable for Villarreal on Monday evening, 19-year-old Moi Gomez was handed a rare start. The gifted midfielder certainly grabbed his opportunity with both hands as he registered two assists in his side's 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano. The Spaniard was class personified each time he had possession of the ball.
Carlos Bacca (Sevilla)
If Bacca continues in this form, then he will go down as one of the signings of the season. The 27-year-old netted his ninth league goal of the season in Sevilla's 3-0 triumph over Getafe, while he assisted his side's further two goals. Kevin Gameiro was mooted as the main replacement for Alvaro Negredo, but Bacca has taken on that role this season.
Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona)
Lionel Messi who? Sanchez continued his stunning performance this campaign with a hat-trick in Barcelona's 4-0 success over Elche on Sunday. The visitors simply could not deal with the 25-year-old's pace and movement in the final third. The Chilean has now scored 11 times in the league this season.
Ikechukwu Uche (Villarreal)
The Nigerian took his league tally to nine goals for the season with a hat-trick in Villarreal's 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano on Monday evening. None of his three strikes was spectacular, but he was in the right position each time. In Uche, Giovani dos Santos and Jeremy Perbet, Villarreal have three strikers who should all net double figures this season.
Matt Law
