FC Barcelona produced another majestic display to defeat local rivals Espanyol 5-1 in the first Barcelona city derby of the season.
Espanyol had won all seven games in their Cornella-El Prat Stadium, but had few answers to another magnificent performance from Barcelona.
Pedro and David Villa scored two goals each, while Xavi Hernandez scored his side's second goal in another stunning performance from Barca in a game that coach Pep Guardiola had described as his side's most difficult away match of the season.
Elsewhere, Villarreal beat Mallorca 3-1 thanks to goals from Santi Cazorla, Giuseppe Rossi and Nilmar in another excellent performance from the side that remains third in Spain.
Saturday's other games saw goals from Igor Gabilondo and Javi Martinez announce Athletic Club Bilbao's candidacy for a place in Europe next season with a 2-1 win away to Levante.
The goals gave the Basque's their second away win of the season.
Diego Castro scored a last minute equalizer for Sporting Gijon away to Deportivo la Coruna after Aythami had opened the scoring for the home side after just 11 minutes of the match.
The point keeps Sporting in the relegation zone but should mean Sporting coach Manuel Preciado keeps his job into the New Year.
Finally Valencia came from behind to win 2-1 away to Real Sociedad with Aritz Aduriz scoring the winner in injury time after Tino Costa had cancelled out Xabi Prieto out or the Basque side.