Real, who have not lost to Atletico since 1999, looked in some trouble as they trailed 1-0 at the break following Jose Reyes' opener.

However, three quickfire goals at the start of the second period from Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Gonzalo Higuain put Real in control, and they held on for the points despite Diego Forlan reducing the deficit from the penalty spot.

The 3-2 victory, which matched Real's triumph from the Vicente Calderon earlier this season, was the 11th on the trot in La Liga for Manuel Pellegrini's men and they move back above Barcelona, who beat Real Mallorca 1-0 last night.

Goals from Giuseppe Rossi, Joseba Llorente and substitute Robert Pires sealed a comfortable win for Villarreal over Sevilla.

The visitors, looking for only their fifth win of 2010, were never in the game as Villarreal were two goals ahead in the first 17 minutes.

Fifth-placed Sevilla never really recovered as Villarreal moved up to eighth in the table thanks to a confident display which earned them a 10th home win of the season.

Deportivo La Coruna's hopes of securing a place in Europe took another blow as they lost 3-1 at home to Getafe, who boosted their own credentials in the process by moving to within two points of Miguel Angel Lotina's side.

Miku bagged a brace for the visitors, with Deportivo's Ze Castro putting through his own net.

Riki gave hope to the home side late on, but his strike proved to be merely a consolation and Getafe sealed an impressive victory.

Espanyol and Sporting Gijon drew 0-0 while a Walter Pandiani goal after 20 minutes was enough to give Osasuna victory against an Almeria side who played for the last half hour with 10 men following the dismissal of Juanma Ortiz.

Rock-bottom Xerez claimed just their fifth win of the season after beating second-bottom Real Valladolid 3-0.

Victor Sanchez opened the scoring early on and further goals from Michel and Mario Bermejo, from the penalty spot, settled it.