Real Madrid and Barcelona both had to come from behind on Saturday to pick up victories against Deportivo La Coruna and Sevilla respectively on another pulsating weekend of La Liga football.
Madrid boss Jose Mourinho made changes to his starting side for the clash against the basement outfit, but goals from Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain were enough to pick up all three points.
Barcelona were also off-colour in the first period against Sevilla, but strikes from David Villa and Lionel Messi ensured that the club extended their lead at the top of the table.
The week's action got underway on Friday with Real Sociedad coming from behind to pick up all three points against a struggling Athletic Bilbao side, who dropped into 15th position with the defeat.
Saturday also brought a host of drama with Getafe winning away at struggling Real Mallorca, before Real Zaragoza and Valencia shared the points in a four-goal thriller.
Sunday's action got underway from Madrid as Rayo Vallecano welcomed Real Valladolid, but it was the away side that ended victorious courtesy of a late strike from former Manchester United striker Manucho.
Celta Vigo also picked up a vital three points with a close-fought 2-1 win over Granada, before a Radamel Falcao penalty handed Atletico Madrid a 1-0 victory over an in-form Espanyol.
The performance of the week went to Real Betis, however, with Pepe Mel's side thumping fourth-placed Malaga 3-0 in Seville.
Here, Sports Mole selects its 11 star performers in Spain following another enthralling week of La Liga football.
Dani Hernandez (Real Valladolid)
The 27-year-old gains the goalkeeping position this week due to his stunning performance in his side's 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano. The Venezuelan came under an increasing amount of pressure in the latter stages, but was on hand to quell the danger on each occasion.
Dani Alves (Barcelona)
The Brazilian defender has had a slightly off-colour season based on his previous high standards, but he returned to his best in Barcelona's win over Sevilla. His willingness to join the attack stretched the opposing side, while he was also impressive in defence.
Inigo Martinez (Real Sociedad)
The 21-year-old defender continues to impress this season with his intelligence and maturity on the ball. He was at his best once more in Friday's win over Bilbao, as he marshalled Aritz Aduriz and Fernando Llorente in the final stages.
Miranda (Atletico Madrid)
The Brazilian defender put in a sensational display as his side recorded a 1-0 win over Espanyol on Sunday. Atletico came under an increasing amount of pressure in the final stages, but the centre-back remained stern and composed.
Antonio Rukavina (Real Valladolid)
The 29-year-old Serbian has become a key player for Valladolid this season with his ability to attack and defend in equal measure. He was on form once more against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, with his direct running causing all sorts of problems to the capital outfit.
Jonas (Valencia)
The Brazilian's finishing has left a lot to be desired this season, but he was among the goals as Valencia drew 2-2 with Real Zaragoza on Saturday. If he can find a scoring run from now until the end of the season, then his side will certainly be within a chance of finishing fourth.
Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo)
The 26-year-old played a key role as his side recorded a vital 2-1 win over Granada on Sunday. With his side struggling for possession in the second period, the Argentine was prepared to get on the ball and dictate the tempo.
Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad)
The 21-year-old Frenchman has really started to find his feet this season with a number of impressive performances. He was up to his old tricks against Athletic Bilbao on Friday when he scored his side's leveller before playing a part in their third.
Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)
His strike partner Radamel Falcao might have scored the only goal in Atletico's win over Espanyol, but it was Costa that put in a man-of-the-match display. The Brazilian caused problems with his pace and power, while his attitude was also spot on.
Adrian Colunga (Getafe)
Following an indifferent period of form, Getafe have just started to pick up some vital wins. That didn't look to be the case when they entered the final 10 minutes level at 1-1 with Real Mallorca, but Colunga struck twice late on to secure all three points.
Cristian Tello (Barcelona)
Barcelona had no variety, no width and no pace in the first period against Sevilla on Saturday. But that all changed when the young winger was introduced. He gave the opposing defence all sorts of problems with his direct running, while he set up the winner for Messi.
Matt Law
