Real Madrid recorded a fourth straight league victory as they overcame Real Valladolid to remain within six points of leaders Barcelona.
Experienced striker Raul broke the deadlock before half-time and then former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben wrapped up the win in the latter stages.
Getafe claimed a shock scalp at high-flying Sevilla, with Jaime Gavilan netting the game's only goal.
Gavilan struck with just eight minutes remaining to bring third-placed Sevilla's recently impressive form to a halt.
Valencia climbed back into fourth after Juan Mata's 88th minute strike downed Sporting Gijon.
Highly-rated attacker David Silva put Los Che in front but Sporting Gijon responded as Torres David Barral dispatched from the penalty spot.
David Villa put Valencia back in front, slotting home his spot-kick, but again the home side responded as substitute Mate Bilic slotted home.
However, with just two minutes remaining, Mata netted a dramatic winner to hand Valencia the spoils.
In Sunday evening's late kick-off, Atletico Madrid climbed to sixth after a vital 2-1 scalp at Deportivo La Coruna.
Gifted striker Sergio Aguero opened the scoring on 45 minutes before winger Simao doubled Atletico's advantage.
Depor substitute Rodolfo Bodipo pulled one back on 87 minutes but it was too little, too late from the home side.
Real Betis pulled away from the relegation places with a vital 3-2 victory over fellow strugglers Racing Santander in a heated game at Estadio El Sardinero.
Peter Luccin put the home side in front before Betis turned the game on its head courtesy of goals from Luis Edu and Achille Emana.
Towering striker Nikola Zigic made it 2-2 on 32 minutes and then Racing goalkeeper Antonio Tono was handed his marching orders, before Emana netted Betis' winner.
Osasuna secured a 2-1 triumph against Athletic Bilbao, who ended the encounter at Estadio Reyno de Navarra with 10 men.
Masoud Shojaei opened the scoring for the home side but Bilbao hit back through Aitor Ocio just five minutes later.
However, the visitors were dealt a setback when goalscorer Ocio was sent off, and their misery was compounded when Sergio Fernandez netted the winner for Bilbao.
Real Mallorca handed their survival hopes a boost with a 2-0 success over relegation-threatened Almeria.
Second-half goals from Cleber Santana and substitute Gonzalo Catro saw off Almeria, who had Hernan Pellerano sent off in the final minute.
Elsewhere, struggling pair Numancia and Espanyol played out a goalless draw in a result that does neither side any real favours.
Primera Liga round-up
Crew, Rapids meet at early crossroads
Sounders FC try to get healthy before Chivas match
Primera Liga round-up
Crew, Rapids meet at early crossroads
Sounders FC try to get healthy before Chivas match
