Zlatan Ibrahimovic's 63rd-minute strike - his third of the week - proved to be the winner as Barca edged three points clear of Real Madrid, who play Atletico tomorrow night.

Mallorca had won 12 of 13 matches at home coming into this game, having only lost to Sevilla previously, and they could feel somewhat unlucky not to have led at the break after hitting the post twice in the first period.

However, the Balearic Island outfit struggled to create much to concern Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes after half-time and they could lose fourth place if Sevilla beat Villarreal tomorrow.

Real Zaragoza boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation with a 3-0 win over 10-man Valencia.

Carlos Diogo opened the scoring after 41 minutes before Nikola Zigic was given his marching orders for a second caution just before half-time.

Zaragoza cashed in on the opportunity with second-half goals from Javier Arizmendi (63) and Jiri Jarosik (71) to move four points clear of third-from-bottom Tenerife, who drew 1-1 at Malaga.

Alejandro Alfaro scored from the spot five minutes from time to snatch a point for Tenerife after Apono had opened the scoring in the 66th minute.