Real beat Elche as Sociedad win seven-goal thriller
Second-half goals from Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo earned Real Madrid a 2-0 win at struggling Elche that moved them four points clear at the top of the Spanish La Liga.
Benzema, who had earlier had a goal ruled out for offside, tapped home the opener before Ronaldo powered home a header to seal the points. Victory ensured the visitors took full advantage of Barcelona's home defeat to Malaga to further strengthen their hold on top spot.
A last-minute winner from captain Xabi Prieto saw Real Sociedad win a seven-goal thriller against Sevilla 4-3. Imanol Agirretxe volleyed David Moyes' side in front shortly after a quarter of an hour, but Timothee Kolodziejczak headed in an equaliser just before half-time.
Prieto restored La Real's lead from the penalty spot at the start of the second half, but Sevilla turned the game around thanks to a header from Carlos Bacca and a penalty from substitute Kevin Gameiro. However, with nine minutes remaining, Alejandro Arribas put the ball through his own net to make it 3-3 and Prieto struck again in injury time to decide the game.
Villarreal moved within one point of Sevilla as Luciano Vietto came off the bench to secure an under-par Yellow Submarine side a 1-0 victory over Eibar. Elsewhere, Aritz Aduriz netted a late winner as Athletic Bilbao edged a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano.