Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice on his return from suspension as Real Madrid flourished late in the game to thrash bottom club Xerez 3-0 and put pressure on leaders Barcelona.
But Manuel Pellegrini's side had to keep their side of the bargain first in order to close to within two points of Pep Guardiola's side.
They dominated virtually throughout on a stodgy pitch, but had to be patient as Xerez held out for more than an hour. Alvaro Arbeloa finally put Madrid in front after 64 minutes, before Ronaldo's quick brace finished off the spirited Andalusians.
Valencia came from behind to secure a point at Sporting Gijon in the Primera Division, but were left frustrated by the plucky Asturians.
Sporting put their recent woes behind them as they took a fifth-minute lead through Diego Castro. And Valencia, despite incessant pressure which saw them twice rattle the woodwork, were unable to find a way through until Juan Mata's leveller 14 minutes from time.
It was no more than the visitors deserved, but either side could have won it in a frenzied finale.
In the late game, Juan Carlos Garrido celebrated victory in his first home match in charge ofVillarreal amid late drama against Athletic Bilbao.
Garrido oversaw a 1-0 defeat at Real Mallorca last week but it was a different story thanks to first-half goals from Joan Capdevila and Nilmar. Igor Gabilondo had drawn Athletic level but the goals were only half the story as Andoni Iraola missed a late penalty for the visitors before three players and one coach saw red.
Javi Martinez and Diego Godin both went after a clash and, in the ensuing chaos, both benches got involved and Athletic coach Joaquin Caparros was also sent to the stands. Frustration then got the better of Pablo Orbaiz, who was dismissed after reacting with fury to what he perceived was an over-reaction to his challenge by Ariel Ibagaza.
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