Madrid, seeking an immediate response to their demoralising 2-0 home defeat to Barca 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 Cristiano Ronaldo goal drew Madrid level nine minutes later and Rafael van der Vaart secured the victory in the 69th minute with a fine low left-footed strike.

David Silva scored twice as Valencia strengthened their hold on third place with a 2-0 home win over Athletic Bilbao.

The Spain winger 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 Los Che 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.