Atletico Madrid moved level on points and goal difference with Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table at the weekend, but Real Madrid dropped five points off the pace after drawing at Osasuna.
An enthralling weekend saw six strikers - David Barral (Levante), Oriol Riera (Osasuna), Neymar (Barcelona), Imanol Agirretxe (Real Sociedad) and Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid) - score braces in Spain's top division, but Javi Guerra stole the show as the Real Valladolid forward struck three against Celta Vigo on Monday evening.
Week 16's action opened on Friday as Levante came from behind to beat Elche 2-1, with that result moving them into 11th position in the table after a poor run of form.
Madrid's recent resurgence was halted on Saturday, however, as they were held to a 2-2 draw at Osasuna in a match that saw Pepe dismissed for the away side. Rayo Vallecano's troubles continued, meanwhile, as they were beaten 2-0 at home by Granada.
Barcelona edged past Villarreal at Camp Nou courtesy of a double from Neymar in the penultimate match on Saturday, before Malaga picked up the much-needed three points with a 1-0 win over Getafe.
Almeria welcomed Espanyol in the opening match on Sunday, but the goalless draw provided little excitement. That cannot be said for Real Betis's trip to Real Sociedad, however, as the home side continued their fine run of form in the league with a 5-1 success over the basement outfit.
Sevilla were held to a 1-1 draw by Athletic Bilbao in the penultimate match on Sunday, before Atletico Madrid wrapped up the weekend with a 3-0 win over Valencia – a result that moved them joint-top of the table.
As mentioned earlier, Guerra was the star turn in week 16's final fixture as the Spanish forward struck a hat-trick in Valladolid's 3-1 win over Celta Vigo.
The result, which moved Valladolid out of the relegation zone, was the home side's third league win of the season.
Here, Sports Mole selects its 11 star players following another pulsating weekend of La Liga football.
Esteban (Almeria)
Almeria's goalless draw with Espanyol on Sunday was hardly a classic, but the home side would not have claimed a share of the spoils had their goalkeeper not been in fine form. The 38-year-old demonstrated his shot-stopping ability with a number of smart saves in the second period, while he was also calm and composed in possession, which transmitted to his teammates.
Mateo Musacchio (Villarreal)
The Argentine was handed the captain's armband for Villarreal's trip to Barcelona with regular skipper Bruno not available. It was some honour for the 23-year-old and he did not disappoint. It was his goal that levelled the score in the early stages of the second period, while he made a number of key interceptions. It was a towering display from the centre-back.
Miranda (Atletico Madrid)
Miranda's inclusion in this team is almost expected - it is just impossible to leave him out. The 29-year-old has emerged into one of the best centre-backs in Europe over the last year and has been in fine form this season. It was another faultless performance from the Brazilian as he excelled in all areas as Atletico Madrid beat Valencia 3-0 on Sunday evening.
Alberto Moreno (Sevilla)
Although primarily a defender, Moreno has been used as a left-winger for Sevilla in recent weeks. His long-term position will certainly become left-back, but he has been sensational in all areas this season. The Spaniard was up to his old tricks on Sunday as he scored a stunner in his side's 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao. Unai Emery will do well to keep hold of his services in the January window.
Fran Rico (Granada)
Rayo Vallecano were unlucky not to take something from their 2-0 defeat to Granada at the weekend, but Rico certainly deserved to be on the winning team. The 26-year-old opened the scoring for his side in the first period, but it was his running in the engine room that impressed the most. It was a real box-to-box performance from the Spaniard.
Xavi (Barcelona)
Barcelona struggled for invention for the best part of an hour in their 2-1 win over Villarreal at the weekend, but then entered Xavi. The Spaniard completely changed the tempo of the match on his introduction as he controlled proceedings from a deep position. The legs might not move as fast as they used to, but his brain remains up there with the best in the business.
Fernando Tissone (Malaga)
With Malaga struggling for results and indeed good performances this season, they need characters to step forward. Tissone answered the call at the weekend with a terrific display in their 1-0 win over Getafe. In a match that flowed end-to-end, the Argentine was first to everything in the middle of the park, while he was also calm and composed in possession of the ball.
Ruben Pardo (Real Sociedad)
Pardo racked up three assists this weekend as Real Sociedad beat Real Betis 5-1 on Sunday afternoon. The 21-year-old has not quite found his top level after breaking into the first team in 2011, but the signs are good this season. His passing, work-rate and energy were of the highest order until he was replaced with 15 minutes remaining.
Oriol Riera (Osasuna)
Not too many players score twice against Real Madrid in La Liga, but Riera managed that feat on Saturday afternoon. Two goals in 23 minutes left his side 2-0 ahead in the latter stages of the first period, but Carlo Ancelotti's team rallied to secure a point in the second half. It took nothing away from the 27-year-old's display, however, which was tenacious and full of quality.
Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)
Atletico struggled to create chances for the best part of an hour against Valencia on Sunday, but Costa stepped forward in the final 30 minutes. The Brazil-born striker scored twice, but should have had three after missing from the penalty spot. Valencia just could not live with his running power and strength as the 25-year-old moved onto 17 league goals for the season.
Javi Guerra (Real Valladolid)
It must be said that Neymar had this final striking spot until Monday evening. In a dull first half between Real Valladolid and Celta Vigo, Guerra was the bright spark. He did not score in the opening 45 minutes, but struck three times in the final 30 minutes to hand his side a 3-0 win. His treble means that he has now scored 10 goals in the league this season – some return in a struggling team.
