RCD Espanyol leapfrogged Club Atlético de Madrid to move eighth in the Liga standings after registering an impressive 4-2 victory, while RCD Mallorca continued their fine run of form by triumphing 1-0 at Real Zaragoza.

Joan Verdú struck twice in the opening seven minutes as Mauricio Pochettino's hosts took control, before Ndri Romaric trebled their advantage. Falcao reduced the deficit, but his efforts were in vain as Sergio García added a fourth on 54 minutes, though there was still time for an Arda Turan consolation for Atlético.

Elsewhere, Victor Casadesus's 39th-minute strike was enough to clinch victory for Mallorca as Zaragoza slumped to their fourth consecutive defeat, a result which left them rooted to the bottom of the table. Getafe CF collected their fourth win of the season after Javier Casquero hit the only goal in a 1-0 success against Granada CF.

Real Sporting de Gijón climbed to 18th thanks to their 3-1 victory at Rayo Vallecano de Madrid, Nacho Novo registering twice. Meanwhile, Jon Aurtenetxe looked set to claim the spoils for Athletic Club, only for Álvaro Soberón to seal a 1-1 draw for Real Racing Club. Villarreal CF came from behind to secure a point against Real Sociedad de Fútbol, and Málaga CF did likewise in their 1-1 stalemate with CA Osasuna.