Forty points out of a possible forty-two so far this season for Barcelona, a new record, as they hammered Athletic Bilbao 5-1 on Saturday. Piqué, Messi with two, Fabregas and Adriano were on target for the Catalans, Ibai Gómez pulling one back for Athletic.
Barcelona are now six points clear of Atlético Madrid who slipped back after losing 2-0 in their derby match with Real Madrid. Ronaldo and Ozil were the scorers.
Málaga went down 1-0 to Getafe and could lose their fourth place on Sunday if Betis manage to win. Lopo scored the only goal of the match.
Valencia were hammered again, this time 2-5 by Real Sociedad in a match which saw the home side have to play the entire second half with only ten men after Jonas was sent back to the dressing room.
De la Bella, Mikel Gonzalez, Ifrán, Agirretxe and a Carlos Vela penalty did the damage, Soldado scoring both goals for Valencia.