Real back on top
The race for the Spanish title promises to be one of the closest-run battles for years, and things are now looking interesting with the top five all still in contention, but it is the reigning champions who have put there noses in front, although they have played a game more than most of the pack.
Vicente del Bosque's men came away from a tricky trip to Balaidos with all three points with one moment of brilliance ten minutes from time. Zinedene Zidane somehow managed to whip in a superb cross from the left when unbalanced, and Raul got across his man to flick his header superbly into the bottom corner to sink Vigo and send Real clear.
Behind Madrid, Betis missed the chance to close the gap being held by Villarreal, while Deportivo moved to within two points of the leaders with their 1-0 win at Sevilla.
Dutch striker Roy Mckaay grabbed the vital goal for Deportivo in the 52nd minute that proved enough to seal the win.
Villarreal held high-flying Betis to a 1-1 draw to dent their title challenge, and the home side took the lead in the 18th minute through Guillermo Amor, but Betis salvaged a point through Daniel Alexandre's 38th minute reply.
Match Summaries:
Celta Vigo v Real Madrid
Sevilla v Deportivo
Villarreal v Real Betis
Click here for updated league table
