Barcelona returned to the top of the table in Spain after a 2-0 victory over struggling Villarreal at the Camp Nou on Sunday.
Goals from Gerard Pique and Carles Alena secured all three points, as the champions leapfrogged Sevilla who drop to second following their 1-1 draw against Alaves.
Atletico Madrid also lost ground in the title race. The Rojiblancos drew at Girona and fall three points behind Barcelona.
Sunday's La Liga Results
Real Betis 1-0 Real Sociedad
Girona 1-1 Atletico Madrid
Barcelona 2-0 Villarreal
Alaves 1-1 Sevilla
La Liga Standings(Matches Played, Goal Difference and Points) 1.