The top two in La Liga could not be separated this weekend as Atletico Madrid drew 0-0 with Barcelona at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday evening.
The result means that both teams are now level on 50 points after 19 matches, but Real Madrid have moved just three points off the top with a narrow 1-0 win over Espanyol on Sunday.
There were also victories for Granada, Celta Vigo, Athletic Bilbao, Rayo Vallecano, Osasuna, Levante and Villarreal in another pulsating round of fixtures in Spain's top flight.
Week 19's action began on Friday evening as Granada secured a 4-0 win over struggling Real Valladolid, who now sit in 18th spot in the table.
Athletic Bilbao recovered from their defeat to Real Sociedad last weekend with a 6-1 triumph over Almeria in the opening match on Saturday, with that result consolidating their top-four spot.
Valencia's European hopes suffered a blow, however, as they were beaten 2-1 at Celta Vigo, before the points were shared at the Calderon between Atletico and Barcelona. Saturday's action came to a close with a 1-1 draw between Elche and Sevilla.
Rayo Vallecano picked up a morale-boosting three points in the opening match on Sunday with a 1-0 win over an out-of-form Getafe side, before Osasuna piled more misery on basement side Real Betis with a 2-1 success in Seville.
Pepe's header handed Real Madrid all the points against Espanyol in the penultimate match of the evening, before Levante beat Malaga 1-0 in Valencia.
The week's action came to a close from El Madrigal, where Villarreal welcomed fellow Champions League hopefuls Real Sociedad. A tight affair had been predicted, but the home side hadn't read the script as they overcame the Basque outfit 5-1.
Here, Sports Mole selects the 11 best performers following another enthralling weekend in Spain's leading division.
Keylor Navas (Levante)
The 27-year-old has been one of the best keepers in La Liga this season and he continued that fine run of form in Levante's 1-0 win over Malaga at the weekend. In truth, it was a match that the home side should have lost, with Malaga much the better throughout the contest. Levante had Navas to thank for the three points as he made a number of terrific saves, especially in the second period.
Loukas Vyntra (Levante)
When Vyntra is available for Levante, their defence is a lot more secure. There isn't a bigger compliment that can he paid to the 27-year-old and he further demonstrated his importance in his side's 1-0 win over Malaga at the weekend. Not only was the Greek a tower of strength in defence, he was also calm and composed in possession, which transmitted to his teammates.
Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
The centre-back has drawn criticism for some under-par performances this season, but he was back to his best in Barcelona's goalless draw with Atletico Madrid on Saturday. Diego Costa found it especially difficult against the Spanish international, who was the star of the show for the Catalan outfit. In this type of form, he is one of the best defenders in European football.
Miranda (Atletico Madrid)
Like Pique, Miranda shone for his side in Atletico's goalless draw with Barcelona. It was a match that was ultimately decided by two strong defences. The Brazilian has been extremely prominent in this particular team this season, but it is almost impossible to leave him out. Surely he will be taken to the World Cup in his home nation next summer.
Jeison Murillo (Granada)
While Murillo was impressive in Granada's 4-0 win over Real Valladolid on Friday, his performance alone would not have gained him a spot in this week's team. Why does he feature? A spectacular opener in the 12th minute. With the ball bouncing on the edge of the box, Murillo adjusted before producing a bicycle kick that flew into the top corner. It was a stunning effort from the 21-year-old Colombian.
Ander Herrera (Athletic Bilbao)
It would not be unfair to say that Herrera struggled in the early part of the season after his proposed move to Manchester United broke down at the final minute. He was even taken out of the team for a short period, but has responded in fine fashion. He scored Athletic Bilbao's second in their 6-1 win over Almeria on Saturday, but it was his box-to-box performance that impressed the most.
Recio (Granada)
As Recio continues to impress this season, it becomes more of a mystery just why Malaga allowed the youngster to join Granada on loan. The 22-year-old put in his best performance of the campaign this weekend as he scored twice in his side's 4-0 victory over Real Valladolid. It will be interesting to see who he represents next season.
Ibai Gomez (Athletic Bilbao)
Gomez is not a regular starter for Bilbao, but has arguably been one of their most important performers this season. The Spaniard did not enter the field until the second period of his side's 6-1 win over Almeria, but still managed to score twice. Almeria simply could not deal with his pace and movement as the contest became stretched in the latter stages.
Charles (Celta Vigo)
Celta Vigo have been extremely disappointing on their own patch this season, but they recorded a much-needed win at home to Valencia this weekend. Charles has had an indifferent season since joining in the summer, but he was the star of the show on Saturday as his two second-half goals secured all the points in a 2-1 victory.
Giovani dos Santos (Villarreal)
The Mexican has had his injury troubles this season, but when available, he has been up there with the best performers in the league this season. The former Barcelona attacker was in sensational form on Monday evening as he scored two and assisted two in Villarreal's 5-1 win over Real Sociedad. Dos Santos has now registered eight goals in La Liga this season.
Ikechukwu Uche (Villarreal)
Dos Santos's right-hand man Uche took his La Liga tally to 11 for the season on Monday with a double in Villarreal's 5-1 win over Real Sociedad. His brace at El Madrigal means that he has now scored five times in his last two games following a hat-trick against Rayo Vallecano last time out. If he continues in a similar fashion, then fourth spot will be a serious possibility for the Yellow Submarine.
