Barcelona and Real Madrid did what they had to do in order to remain equal in points prior to next week's clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Blaugrana steamrolled over Athletic in a match that was a testament to the muscle that the club's youth system has. Of the 14 players that Barcelona fielded on Saturday, 11 came from the La Masia.

There was a negative to the Blaugrana's performance as Zlatan Ibrahimovic suffered a muscle tear in his calf and will be out for the midweek Champions League clash against Arsenal.

When a door closes a window cracks open and Bojan Krkic was able to take advantage of the situation by scoring a brace for the first time this season.   Lio Messi and Jeffren Suárez also scored for Barca while Susaeta would score the lone goal for the Basques. 

Meanwhile Real Madrid were very effective as they defeated a struggling Racing Santander 2-0.  Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuaín scored yet once again for Los Merengues as they will rest and wait for the Blaugrana to visit the Spanish capital at the weekend.

Valencia asserted themselves in third place as they defeated Osasuna 3-0 in a match that was closer than the final score indicated.  David Villa scored a brace and Joaquin would add another tally for Los Ches.

Sevilla ended their six-match winless streak beating Tenerife at hime 3-0.  Frédéric Kanouté and Luis Fabiano scored for the Andalusians in the first half and José Castro scored his first goal of the season as the Nervionenses entered Champions League spots after Mallorca were tripped up as they earned only one point on the road against Almería.