Still only two points separate the top two clubs in La Liga after Real Madrid maintained their challenge with a comprehensive 1-5 victory over Tenerife.
Two first half goals from Higuaín and three more from Kaká, Ronaldo (penalty) and Raúl were enough to sink the Canary islanders almost without trace, their only consolation being a headed goal from Ayoze at the start of the second half.
Third placed Valencia are now thirteen points adrift of Real Madrid after a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Atlético Madrid. David Silva gave Valencia the lead in the twentieth minute but it all went wrong after that with two goals from Forlán and one apiece from Agüero and Jurado doing the damage.
Valencia were down to nine men by the end, which didn’t help matters, with Marchena and Miguel both receiving their marching orders.
Sevilla remain in fourth place after a 0-0 draw with Athletic Bilbao.