Madrid leapfrog Barça and go level with Atlético

Real Madrid CF moved up to second in the Spanish Liga with a 4-0 triumph over UD Almería that was preceded by FC Barcelona's 1-0 defeat by Granada CF.

Barcelona, ousted from the UEFA Champions League by Club Atlético de Madrid in midweek, would have gone above Diego Simeone's side and to the top of the league with victory against Granada. As it transpired, however, they dropped to third, a point off both capital clubs. Atlético are top thanks to their superior head-to-head record against Madrid.

The Blaugrana's loss – only their fifth in the league this term – came by virtue of Yacine Brahimi's neat finish from a narrow angle after 16 minutes. Carlo Ancelotti's team capitalised fully, going in front through Ángel di María after 28 minutes. Gareth Bale's low shot and Isco's smart finish made it three soon after the interval, before Álvaro Morata added a late fourth.

Villarreal CF moved into sixth spot with a 1-0 success against Levante UD, Jérémy Perbet with the decisive strike five minutes into added time. Real Sociedad de Fútbol drop to seventh as a result following their 2-2 draw with RC Celta de Vigo.