Barcelona defeated Madrid not once, but twice. Blaugranas and Pericos defeated their rivals from the Spanish capital in week 31, thus benefiting their respective causes.

Barca were successful in making history defeating Real Madrid 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu. Lionel Messi and Pedro scored both goals as Xavi lit the way for a Culé side that at times looked overwhelmed, but when the chips were down they were able to find their way to Iker Casillas. Barca won four straight against los Merengues for the first time ever.

Meanwhile things start to heat up for the upcoming Catalan derby, barring a possible strike next weekend. Espanyol manhandled a toothless Atlético side that were still recovering from the grueling Europa League match against Valencia midweek.

Victor Ruiz, Pablo Osvaldo, and Ivan Alonso scored for an Espanyol side that are just a step away from salvation, while Atlético's European dreams are starting to depend on other teams- specifically Sevilla.

The Andalusians are at 51 points after a tough win at La Rosaleda against Málaga. The same thing goes for Mallorca who defeated a Valencia side that is slowly starting to fall apart. Unai Emery's side were not match for Mallorca at the Ono Estadi and the islanders were able to snap a three-match winless streak.

Standings

Positions
2010-11 Champions League:  x-Barcelona, x-Real Madrid
2010-11 Champions League qualifiers: Valencia, z-Sevilla
2010-11 Europa League: Mallorca, Athletic, z-Sevilla, y-Atlético
Relegation: Tenerife, Valladolid, Xerez

x- clinched berth
y- Copa del Rey finalist
z- Champions League qualifier and Copa del Rey finalist

Pichichi Race
Lionel Messi BAR             27
Gonzalo Higuaín RMA      24
David Villa VAL                 20
Cristiano Ronaldo RMA    18
Zlatan Ibrahimovic BAR   15
Fernando Llorente ATB     13