Real Madrid keep up pressure to Barcelona's after lead at the summit back to three points after recovering from an early deficit to defeat mid-table Almeria 2-1 on Thursday night.
Real Madrid, seeking an immediate response to their demoralising 2-0 home defeat to Barcelona in 'El Clasico' last weekend, created chance after chance but were made to sweat before recording their seventh successive away win.
Almeria shocked their big-spending visitors by taking a 14th-minute lead through Albert Crusat, but a fine Madrid best player Cristiano Ronaldo goal drew Madrid level nine minutes later as he ran through the defence unchallenged to fire home and Rafael van der Vaart secured the victory in the 69th minute with a low drive.
David Silva scored twice as Valencia strengthened their hold on third place with a 2-0 home win over Athletic Bilbao.
David Silva scored a scrappy opener, firing home after Alexis' effort from a corner was saved, to give his side a half-time advantage and jinked through the visiting defence to add a superb second in the 62nd minute.
The result left Valencia seven points clear of fourth-placed Mallorca, while Athletic's own European challenge remains on track despite the defeat as they lie sixth on 48 points.
