Real Madrid will enter the winter break 16 points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona after suffering a damaging 3-2 defeat away to Malaga on Saturday.
Roque Santa Cruz scored twice for Malaga as they picked up the points on the same evening that Iker Casillas was dropped from the Madrid team.
Barcelona continued their winning run with a 3-1 victory away at Real Valladolid. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid also moved further ahead of Real Madrid with a 1-0 win over a dogged Celta Vigo outfit on Friday.
The action began on Thursday and it proved to be a successful evening for Rayo Vallecano, Espanyol and Real Sociedad, who all picked up three points to lift themselves up the table.
Valencia preceded Atletico Madrid on Friday and picked up a welcome three points in a 4-2 win over Getafe. Saturday was also full of drama in the lower regions of the La Liga table with Real Mallorca defeating Real Betis, Granada winning away at Osasuna and Real Zaragoza securing a 2-0 win against Athletic Bilbao.
Here, Sports Mole selects its 11 top performers in Spain following another pulsating week of La Liga action.
Willy Caballero (Malaga)
The 31-year-old made two world-class saves during his side's 3-2 win over Real Madrid. The first, from a Cristiano Ronaldo free kick, was as good a save as you will see in world football.
Juanfran (Atletico Madrid)
The 27-year-old is now regarded by many as the best right-back in Spain. He impressed in front of national team boss Vicente del Bosque with an all-action display in his side's 1-0 win over Celta Vigo on Friday.
Ignacio Martinez (Rayo Vallecano)
The young defender was given his first start of the season against Levante on Thursday and did not disappoint with a mature performance. Aside from rattling an effort into the top corner from 30 yards, he was composed and unfazed in possession.
Javi Marquez (Real Mallorca)
The 26-year-old scored the winner as his side beat Real Betis on Sunday. Meanwhile, he was a tower of strength in defence as his team came under pressure in the second period.
Andres Guardado (Valencia)
The Mexican was given the unfamiliar role of left-back against Getafe on Friday. However, he was a constant threat all evening as his side recorded a 4-2 win. On this display he may well have found a new position.
Simao (Espanyol)
The Portuguese midfielder appears to be enjoying a new lease of life under Espanyol boss Javier Aguirre. He continued his scoring run with a fine individual effort in the win over Deportivo La Coruna.
Ruben Pardo (Real Sociedad)
The 20-year-old has attracted interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid in recent months and it is easy to see why. He put in a top-draw performance on Thursday as he helped his side to a 2-1 win over a struggling Sevilla.
Xavi (Barcelona)
The Spanish maestro scored the opening goal in his side's 3-1 win over Real Valladolid on Saturday. But it was his calmness and influence on the ball that impressed the most. He is just a sensational footballer.
Arda Turan (Atletico Madrid)
There have been rumours that the Turkish international will attempt to depart Atletico at the end of the season. Based on his performance against Celta, his club will not be prepared to sell. He was simply everywhere as he crafted and created chances for his side.
Roberto Soldado (Valencia)
The 27-year-old striker continued his impressive scoring run with the first of his side's four goals against Getafe on Friday. He was also indirectly involved in all three other strikes and his hold-up play was of the very highest order.
Roque Santa Cruz (Malaga)
The on-loan Manchester City striker has mainly been used as a substitute this season. Yet again he appeared from the bench to score twice in his side's 3-2 win over Real Madrid. It appears likely that he will complete a permanent move to the club in January.
Matt Law
