A solitary Sergio Ramos strike gave Real Madrid CF a slender 1-0 win against city rivals Getafe CF to maintain their seven-point lead over title rivals FC Barcelona at the top of the Spanish Liga.

The visitors dominated possession but created few clear-cut opportunities and the match was eventually settled by Ramos's 18th-minute goal, the Spanish international defender meeting Mesut Özil's corner with a flying header that powered into the top right coner.

Barcelona looked to be on their way to a comfortable victory against Real Sociedad de Fútbol at Camp Nou. Debutant forward Cristian Tello gave Josep Guardiola's men a ninth-minute lead, latching on to Lionel Messi's defence-splitting pass, and slotting an angled shot past the onrushing goalkeeper.

But it took until the 72nd minute for the hosts to extend their lead, Messi volleying in Daniel Alves's back-post cross. Carlos Vela responded just two minutes later to make for a tense finale but the Azulgrana held on, crucially matching Madrid to stay in contention at the top.

In the league's other games, RCD Mallorca were the only side to earn all three points, defeating Real Betis Balompié 1-0 at Son Moix, Levante UD maintained their position in fourth with a 1-1 home stalemate with struggling Real Racing Club and Athletic Club and RCD Espanyol played out a thrilling 3-3 draw.