Real Madrid closed to within a point of Barcelona with a 2-0 win over Valencia at El Santiago Bernabeu.
With Barcelona only drawing with Espanyol on Saturday, Real Madrid knew they had the chance to get themselves back in the title race against Valencia.
Real dominated the early proceedings and they broke the deadlock on 25 minutes when Gonzalo Higuain converted Guti's pass.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who was denied on several occasions by Valencia keeper Cesar, finally added a second 12 minutes from time when he slotted home Marcelo's cut-back.
Juan Nino inspired Tenerife to a 3-2 win over Getafe with a superb hat-trick to boost their survival hopes.
Getafe broke the deadlock on ten minutes through Pedro Leon, but Nino levelled matters on the half hour.
Nino fired Tenerife in front on 69 minutes only for Francisco Casquero to hit back for Getafe on 75 minutes.
However, a minute later Nino completed his treble and gave Tenerife the points to move them one point from safety with five games remaining.
Malaga remain just above the drop zone after a goalless draw at home to fellow strugglers Valladolid.
Athletic Bilbao failed to get back into the European places as they were held to a goalless draw by Real Zaragoza at San Mames.
Basement boys Xerez saw their hopes of staying up suffer a blow after being held to a 2-2 draw at home to Racing Santander.
Fabian Orellana gave Xerez an early lead after just six minutes, but goals just either side of half-time from Mohamed Tchite - the second a penalty - turned the game around.
Victor Sanchez grabbed an equaliser for Xerez 17 minutes from time, but the point does not do much for their hopes of staying in La Liga.
Deportivo La Coruna were held to a goalless draw by Almeria at La Riazor as the point moves the visitors further clear of trouble at the wrong end of the table.
a.top_betting_link_1 {background-image: url('/Images/Skysports/Icons/skybet_logo.png');background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:0% 50%;padding-left:68px;}FCD rookie Loyd pleased with his debutPrimera Liga round-up
