First half goals from Xavi and, almost inevitably, Lionel Messi were enough to see Barcelona comfortably past Sevilla at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuan on Saturday evening, the Catalans closing the gap at the top to seven points pending Sunday’s matches.
Goals from Martins and Siqueira saw Granada beat Sporting Gijón 2-1, Colunga getting a late consolation goal for the visitors.
Real Betis continue their slide down the table, this time soundly beaten 3-0 by Rayo Vallecano with second half goals from Armenteros, Diego Costa and Tamudo.