Radamel Falcao became the first player in a decade to score five goals in a La Liga match as Atletico Madrid thrashed Deportivo La Coruna 6-0, while Levante earlier thrashed Mallorca 4-0.
Lionel Messi struck twice, taking his calendar total to 82 goals, as Barcelona won 4-0 at Levante, while Radamel Falcao struck a penalty for Atletico Madrid in a 4-0 victory over Sevilla.
Atletico Madrid survived the second-half dismissal of defender Mario Suarez to win 1-0 at Granada and consolidate second place, while Levante climbed to fourth with a 2-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna.
Atletico Madrid scored four goals once again in beating Rayo Vallecano 4-3 at the Vicente Calderon, but they had to survive a late comeback from the visitors to secure the three points.
All three Spanish sides left in the UEFA Europa League were victorious in La Liga on Sunday, while Real Sociedad, Villarreal and Granada each moved a step closer to safety.
Atletico Madrid's inconsistent La Liga campaign continued as they were beaten 2-0 at home by resurgent Real Betis, Alejandro Pozuelo and Roque Santa Cruz scoring the goals for the visitors.
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™
