Real Madrid reclaimed third place from Sevilla after winning 4-2 in a thrilling encounter at Espanyol.
Two goals from Karim Benzema, and one each from Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos gave Los Blancos a third straight win in La Liga despite the visitors finishing with 10 men after Raphael Varane's late red card.
Real Madrid got off to the perfect start, taking the lead after just four minutes, the Espanyol defence allowing Luka Modric to waltz into the box untouched.
His effort was then parried by former Real goalkeeper Diego Lopez straight into the path of Benzema, giving the Frenchman an easy tap-in.