Goals from Angel di Maria, Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo gave Jose Mourinho's team a 14th win on the trot in all competitions.

This was their 10th victory in succession in the league, keeping them in control at the head of the table, although Barca responded by beating Levante 5-0 at the Nou Camp.

Cesc Fabregas got them going with a first-half brace, while Isaac Cuenca, Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez also found the net.

With El Clasico on the horizon next weekend, Barca will have the chance to pull level on points with their rivals, though they have played a game more.

Roberto Soldado climbed off Valencia's bench to nod in the winner as Unai Emery's third-placed side also won, 2-1 against Espanyol.

Hector Moreno cancelled out Tino Costa's sixth-minute penalty, but Soldado, on the bench owing to a thigh injury ahead of the midweek do-or-die Champions League clash with Chelsea, scored within four minutes of his introduction.

Racing Santander moved off the bottom of the table in their first match since coach Hector Cuper's departure as they beat Villarreal 1-0 thanks to Christian Stuani's first-half header.