Real Madrid opened up a seven point lead at the top of the BBVA Primera Liga this weekend thanks to a comfortable 3-1 win at home to Zaragoza, coupled with FC Barcelona's failure to win away at Villarreal on Saturday night.

The results mean that Madrid, who were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Barca in midweek have a comfortable cushion at the top of the table, even though Barcelona have only lost one game this season.

Barcelona were frustrated by a solid defensive display from Villarreal, for whom keeper Diego Lopez made a string of saves and when he was unable to make a save, 11 minutes from time he was helped out by the crossbar.

Real Madrid were also below par, but despite conceding an early goal against bottom of the table Zaragoza, Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil all scored in what turned out to be a comfortable 3-1 win.

Carlos Aranda had opened the scoring for the visitors, who are rock bottom of the Primera Liga.

Saturday kicked off with Fernando Llorente his first ever league hat-trick as Athletic Club Bilbao won a thrilling game 3-2 away to Rayo Vallecano, who lost striker Raul Tamudo to a groin injury.

Meanwhile Vladimir Weiss' first half goal gave Espanyol a 1-0 victory at home to Mallorca. The game was a nightmare for Mallorca keeper Dudu Aouate, who was at fault for the goal and was sent off later in the game.

Sunday kicked off with Granada giving Abel Resino a win in his debut as coach following the sacking of Francisco Gonzalez 'Fabri' last weekend. First half goals from Ighalo and Carlos Martins gave the side that had kicked off in the relegation zone, a shock win away to Betis.

Jonathan Pereira scored a late consolation goal for the home side.

Levante's dreadful start to 2012 continued with a 2-1 home defeat to Getafe. Dani Guiza and Diego Castro scored as Getafe coach Luis Garcia returned to his former club with a win.

Real Sociedad gave their fans something to cheer about following last weekend's 4-0 home defeat to Atletico Madrid. Phillipe Montanier's side bounced back to form with a 5-1 thrashing of Sporting Gijon.

David Zuruzurta had put Real Sociedad 2-0 up after just three minutes and Gorka Elustondo, Antoine Griezmann and Mikel Aranburu completed the route. The win moves Real into mid-table, but leaves Sporting deep in the relegation zone and coach Manuel Preciado in danger of losing his job.

Valencia drew 2-2 away to Racing Santander: Adrian Gonzalez put Racing ahead early in the game, but two goals from Aritz Aduriz, the second 11 minutes from time looked to have sealed the game for Valencia, only for Bernardo to level the scores two minutes from time.

Pedro Munitis and Ricardo Costa were sent off in the closing minutes and both teams ended with just 10 players on the pitch.

Malaga won the second Andalusia derby of the day with a 2-1 triumph at home to Sevilla. All of the goals came in the first 19 minutes with Weligton Robson scoring for Malaga.

Antonio Luna levelled on the quarter hour only for Seba Fernandez to ensure the points stayed at home with a finish from a Soloman Rondon cross.

Malaga ended the game with a player less after Izco was sent off, but defended successfully for the last 17 minutes.

The round of matches end on Monday when Osasuna entertain a resurgent Atletico Madrid.

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