Barcelona have entered the international break three points clear at the top of the La Liga table with a 4-1 win over basement outfit Real Betis in Week 13.
There were also wins for Almeria, Granada, Rayo Vallecano, Athletic Bilbao, Real Madrid and Sevilla, while Atletico Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by highly-flying Villarreal on another enthralling weekend in Spain's top division.
The week's action opened on Friday evening as Almeria recorded their third successive league win with a 1-0 success over Osasuna, before Granada beat Malaga 3-1 on their own patch.
Real Madrid commenced Saturday's action with a 5-1 win over Real Sociedad, before Getafe were held to a 1-1 draw by Elche in the Spanish capital.
Athletic Bilbao's impressive start to the season continued with a 2-1 win at home to Levante, but Rayo Vallecano were the big movers on Saturday as they climbed off the bottom of the table with a 2-0 win at Celta Vigo.
Sevilla's first away win in the league since last September occurred on Sunday as they recorded a 3-1 success over Espanyol, before Valencia were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Real Sociedad.
Atletico Madrid had the chance to move top of the table in Sunday's penultimate fixture, but the capital outfit were held to a 1-1 draw at Villarreal. Barcelona then managed to gain some breathing space with a comfortable win at Real Betis in the final fixture of the weekend.
Here, Sports Mole selects its 11 star performers in La Liga following another entertaining weekend in Spain's leading division.
Gorka Iraizoz (Athletic Bilbao)
Had the 32-year-old not been in top form this weekend, Athletic Bilbao might not have collected all three points against Levante on Saturday. The Spaniard was called into action on a number of occasions, especially in the second period, and made a number of top-class saves. The keeper was also calm and composed in possession.
Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)
The Frenchman is quietly emerging into one of the best young defenders in La Liga. It is hard to believe that the centre-back is just 19, with his towering presence matching a fine footballing brain. Arguably his finest performance of the season occurred this weekend as his side recorded a 2-1 win over Levante. Surely a number of top European sides will be monitoring his progress.
Federico Fazio (Sevilla)
Fazio returned to the Sevilla team this weekend and he certainly did not disappoint. The towering centre-back opened the scoring in his side's 3-1 win over Espanyol on Sunday, but it was his performance in defence that impressed the most. Not only was the 26-year-old aerially dominant, he was also calm and composed in possession.
Marc Bartra (Barcelona)
It had been questioned whether Bartra had the ability to break into the first team at Barcelona. Well, he has made his point this season. The centre-back was at his best in his side's 4-1 win over Real Betis on Sunday. Despite the scoreline, Betis created a number of chances, especially in the first period, but Bartra was on hand with a number of important blocks.
Dimitri Foulquier (Granada)
The 20-year-old has worked his way into the Granada XI this season and based on his performances in recent weeks, it will be difficult to leave him out. The full-back is not the most gifted technically, but he possesses such strength and stamina, while his crossing ability is also a key asset. He is currently on a season-long loan from French side Rennes.
Yacine Brahimi (Granada)
The 23-year-old is another that has shone in the early part of the season. The Frenchman continued his impressive start with two assists in Granada's 3-1 win over Malaga on Friday evening. Not only was the midfielder a constant threat in the final third, but he was also prepared to track back when necessary. It was a complete midfield display from Brahimi.
Sami Khedira (Real Madrid)
Khedira has been linked with a move away from Real Madrid in recent weeks, but he was back to his best this weekend. A rare goal arrived for the German in his side's 5-1 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday, while he was his usual composed self in the middle of the park. When Xabi Alonso is in the team, Khedira is a lot more comfortable.
Mikel Rico (Athletic Bilbao)
Athletic Bilbao struggled in the first half against Levante on Saturday, but that changed when Rico entered at the interval. The midfielder was the catalyst for his side in the second period, as he scored the equaliser in their 2-1 success. It was strange that the 29-year-old was left on the bench, but he will surely be in the XI next time out.
Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona)
It has been a season of rotation for Fabregas, but when selected, he always performs. The Spaniard netted a double in Barcelona's 4-1 win over Real Betis on Sunday evening. It was not the most inspired performance from the Spanish champions, but Fabregas shone in their midfield. That said, will he grow tired of missing out on the first XI in the very big fixtures? Watch this space.
Youssef El-Arabi (Granada)
El-Arabi struggled in the first half of Granada's league clash against Malaga as he missed a number of chances, but he came to life in the second. The 26-year-old netted a second-half treble as his side recorded all three points in a 3-1 win. The France-born striker also led the line impressively throughout his 86 minutes on the field.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Lionel Messi might be struggling in the league at the moment, but Ronaldo certainly is not. The Portuguese scored his 14th, 15th and 16th league goals of the season with a treble in Saturday's 5-1 win over Real Sociedad. It had been suggested that Gareth Bale would take some of the emphasis off Ronaldo, but the attacker has arguably improved further. Another stunning performance.
Matt Law
