Real Madrid made it two wins in four days against Barcelona with a 2-1 success in their La Liga clash at the Bernabeu on Saturday.
Having eliminated Barcelona from the Copa del Rey on Tuesday, Jose Mourinho named a much-changed side as he prepared to face Manchester United in the second leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League next week.
Barcelona's struggles continued, however, as Sergio Ramos headed a winner in the latter stages to move the capital outfit to within two points of rivals Atletico Madrid.
The action on week 26 got underway on Friday as Getafe continued their resurgence in form with a comfortable 2-0 win over Real Zaragoza.
Following El Clasico, European-chasers Rayo Vallecano were held to a 0-0 draw by basement outfit Deportivo La Coruna, before Athletic Bilbao ended a run of three straight defeats with a 1-0 win over Osasuna.
Valencia came within a minute of moving into fourth position as they led 2-1 against Levante in Saturday's final match, but a late strike from Jose Barkero secured the away side a share of the spoils.
Sunday's action was opened by Granada and Real Mallorca, with the away side picking up three vital points to move to within four points of safety. Espanyol then welcomed Real Valladolid, but the low-key fixture ended in a goalless draw.
Another 0-0 draw followed as Malaga and Atletico Madrid shared the points, before Real Sociedad and Real Betis ended the weekend with an enthralling 3-3 draw.
Here, Sports Mole selects its 11 star performers in Spain following another pulsating weekend of La Liga action.
Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid)
It wasn't the busiest of matches for the Belgian, but he was in fine form in Sunday's goalless draw with Malaga. His distribution, handling and composure were just of the very highest order. He simply cannot sit on the bench for Chelsea next season.
Sergio Escudero (Getafe)
Not only did the Spaniard score a crucial second in his side's 2-0 win over Real Zaragoza on Friday, he showed composure and intelligence that defied his tender years. It was a fine display from the 23-year-old.
Weligton (Malaga)
With Malaga coming under pressure for the majority of their 0-0 draw with Atletico on Sunday, they needed their big players to step forward. The 33-year-old certainly answered the call with a stunning performance at the heart of the defence.
Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
The 19-year-old is well on his way to becoming one of the best defenders in world football. He put in another sensational display in Madrid's 2-1 win over Barcelona on Saturday. He has just about everything to emerge into one of the all-time great centre-backs.
Joao Pereira (Valencia)
The Portuguese has not won too many friends this season, but his performances in recent weeks cannot be questioned. The buccaneering right-back was in fine form in his side's 2-2 draw with Levante, as he demonstrated his ability to attack and defend with equal success.
Vicente Iborra (Levante)
The 25-year-old was one of the main reasons why Levante were able to come from behind to secure a 2-2 draw with Valencia on Saturday. The Spaniard was prepared to get on the ball in the final stages, while there was the small matter of his cool finish that sent his side into the lead.
Tomas Pina (Real Mallorca)
It wasn't the prettiest of displays from the 25-year-old, but he epitomised Mallorca's fighting spirit in their 2-1 win over Granada on Sunday. With his side coming under pressure in the final stages, he had enough about him to remain composed and inspire those around him.
Xavi Prieto (Real Sociedad)
The Spaniard was Sociedad's star player in their 3-3 draw with Betis on Sunday. Not only did he score the coolest of penalties, he was the player that his team looked to for inspiration in the latter stages.
Alvaro Morata (Real Madrid)
The 20-year-old was handed a rare chance to impress against Barcelona on Saturday and he certainly did not let anyone down. The forward provided an assist for Karim Benzema after six minutes, while his pace and movement stretched the Catalans' defence all afternoon.
Roberto Soldado (Valencia)
The Spaniard's volley in Valencia's 2-2 draw with Levante was worth the entrance fee alone. Aside from that truly sensational strike, his hold-up play continued to cause problems in the final third. His goal deserved to pick up all three points.
Dorlan Pabon (Real Betis)
The Colombian striker continued his fine run in front of goal in Sunday's 3-3 draw with Sociedad. Not only did the forward register a fine double, his pace and movement caused all sorts of problems throughout the entirety of the match.
Matt Law
