Barcelona continued to defend their La Liga title in style with a win over Getafe, but Real Madrid continued to chase by defeating Espanyol, while third-placed Valencia maintained their optimistic pursuit by downing Valladolid.
Pep Guardiola's Barcelona maintained their impressive home record in La Liga with a 2-1 victory over Getafe, despite finishing the game with nine men following the dismissals of Gerard Pique and Rafael Marquez.
Pique was sent off for a cynical lunge on Rafa Lopez after 24 minutes, although Barca were already a goal to the good by then, thanks to Lionel Messi's brilliant early strike.
Guardiola's side never really looked in danger, despite Pique's departure, and their dominance finally paid off as Xavi all but sealed a 17th league win of the season in the 67th minute.
Roberto Soldado's stoppage-time penalty pulled a goal back for the visitors and
Marquez was sent off for his foul on Kepa Blanco which led to the spot-kick.
Real Madrid ensured Barca's lead remained at five points as they defeated Espanyol 3-0 at the Bernabeu.
Sergio Ramos headed the Galacticos into a fifth minute lead and Kaka doubled the advantage on the half-hour mark.
Substitute Gonzalo Higuain completed the scoring on the stroke of full-time with a characteristically classy finish.
Third-placed Valencia defeated Valladolid 2-0 in the early kick-off with goals from Ever Banega and David Villa.
Banega found space in the eighth minute on the edge of the area and shot into the top-left-hand corner.
And the Argentina midfielder was involved in the second goal, crossing to Villa who found the net with a powerful header in the 30th minute.
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