Real Madrid and Sevilla both won to keep up the pressure on Barcelona.
Real Madrid kept pace with leaders Barcelona after a far from convincing 2-0 win against Gimnastic.
The Spanish Giants got off to the best possible start when Gimnastic defender Cesar Navas was harshly sent off for bringing down Ruud van Nistelrooy when the striker was through on goal.
Madrid failed to make their extra man count in the first half, which was a rather subdued affair with neither side creating any clear cut chances.
It was not until the introduction of Robinho that the game sprang into life. The Brazilian magician scored the opening goal and created the second, when David Garcia put through his own goal, to ensure Madrid move to within five points of Barcelona.
Sevilla ensured they stayed level with Barcelona at the top of La Liga after a hard fought 2-0 victory against Celta Vigo.
The home side were gifted the lead after defender Coser Lucaz handled the ball in the area to give Fredi Kanoute the chance to make it 1-0.
Celta Vigo were reduced to ten men in the second-half when Nestor Cannobia was sent-off for dangerous play.
Alexander Kerzhakov then sealed the victory for Sevilla with a nicely taken finish after being put through one on one with the keeper.
Fifth played sixth in Zaragoza as the home side moved three points clear of their rivals Atletico Madrid with a 1-0 win at home.
Diego Milito scored the only goal of the game on 20 minutes to ensure Zaragoza remain in fifth place.
Deportivo La Coruna edged past Getafe 1-0 thanks to a goal by Antonio Barragan on 80 minutes.
Levante moved a point away from trouble after holding on for a 1-1 draw away at midtable Espanyol.
Levante took the lead on 13 with a goal by Gustavo Reggi but the strugglers were only in-front for five minutes before Luis Garcia levelled for the home side.
Villarreal and Real Sociedad played out a 1-1 draw at El Madrigal that means both sides remain in the same position.
Savio opened the scoring for Sociedad on 40 minutes before Josico levelled for the home side on 59.
The match also saw the welcome return of former Arsenal ace Robert Pires to the Villarreal side.
The French international returned to action for the first time in seven months after rupturing his cruciate knee ligaments.
Deportivo la Coruna 1-0 Getafe
Espanyol 1-1 Levante
Real Madrid 2-0 Gimnastic
Real Zaragoza 1-0 Atletico Madrid
Sevilla 2-0 Celta Vigo
Villarreal 1-1 Real Sociedad
