Barcelona and R. Madrid both win to maintain edge
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Both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid won away from home to keep things unchanged at the top of the BBVA Primera Liga.
Perdo Rodriguez's first half goal gave Barcelona all three points away to Sporting Gijon, while Real Madrid enjoyed an easy night in Deportivo la Coruna's Riazor Stadium winning 3-1.
Real Madrid had not won away to Deportivo in 19 years, but first half goals from Esteban Granero and Karim Benzema put them on their way, despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Riki pulled a late goal back for Deportivo after winning a penalty with just four minutes remaining.
However, just as Deportivo fans were thinking of another famous fightback, Benzemas second of the night, which arrived in the last minute secured the win for his side.
The win means Real remains five points behind of FC Barcelona after the Catalans' triumph away to Sporting Gijon.
Pedro scored the only goal of the game as Barcelona won 1-0 in a game that was far easier than the final score shows.
Barcelona controlled the game virtually from start to finish and their rivals barely had a chance.
Meanwhile Pep Guardiola's men wasted several chances to extend their lead.
Zlatan Ibrahimovich's bad luck in front of goal continued as he was denied time after time by Sporting keeper Juan Pablo, while Leo Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez all had further chances to have made the margin of victory more ample.
As it is Barcelona was rarely in trouble as remains unbeaten in the first 20 games of the season.
The only disappointment was the late yellow card shown to defender Carles Puyol, which means he is suspended next weekend for the visit of Getafe.
Earlier Espanyol had kicked off the day with a 1-0 win at home to Athletic Club Bilbao.
Luis Garcia's second half goal was enough to give Espanyol three vital points in the battle to climb away from the relegation zone.
