Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid claim victories

Real Madrid struck three times in 16 second-half minutes to finally end the dogged resistance of local rivals Getafe, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale the men on the mark in a 3-0 victory.

Lionel Messi once again responded to speculation about his Barcelona future with a sensational performance on the pitch, scoring a hat-trick as the Catalans trounced Deportivo La Coruna 4-0 to keep the pressure on Real.

The Argentinian sounded the alarm bells last week by declaring at the FIFA Ballon d'Or ceremony that he did not know where he would be next year, but gave Barca a two-goal advantage at the break at Riazor and then completed his treble in the second half.

A late own goal by defender Sidnei compounded struggling Depor's misery. Barca remain one point off the top, while sorry Depor sit one point above the relegation zone.

Atletico Madrid climbed back into third place thanks to their 2-0 victory at home to Granada.

Mario Mandzukic gave Atleti the lead from the penalty spot in the 34th minute, after Abdoul Sissoko fouled Diego Godin in the box, before Raul Garcia headed in the second with less than two minutes remaining to seal the win.

Sevilla moved into fourth following a 2-0 victory over Malaga thanks to a first-half opener from Carlos Bacca and a moment of magic from second-half substitute Denis Suarez. ...SkySports