Real Madrid claw win, Barca flying, and Nuno says 'adios' in Spain

Real Madrid had to suffer before taking three points from their visit to Eibar' Ipurua Stadium on Sunday afternoon as Rafael Benitez's side packed full of stars needed two goals from set pieces to break down the resistance of the side with the lowest budget in the BBVA Primera Liga.

   The game looked to be heading into the halftime break at 0-0 before Gareth Bale flicked home at the near post following a corner and the win hung very much in the balance before Cristiano Ronaldo scored his side's second goal after Lucas Vazquez was brought down in the Eibar penalty area eight minutes from time.

   The points keep Real Madrid six points behind FC Barcelona, but the performance will do little to ease the criticism of the under pressure coach after Barca produced another fine display to defeat Real Sociedad 4-0 on Saturday with two goals from Neymar, one from Luis Suarez, a stunning volley, and one from Messi, who netted in the last minute of the game.

   The win ends a magnificent week for Barca who have scored 14 goals in their last three matches, conceding just one in return, while their trio of strikers have scored 30 goals between them in their last 13 league matches.

   Sunday's main news was the resignation of Valencia coach Nuno Espiritu Santo following his side's 1-0 defeat away to Sevilla.

   Valencia ended with nine men after Javi Fuego and Joan Cancelo were sent off as Sergio Escudero scored the winning goal for Sevilla, who were also under par.

   Antoine Griezmann scored after just 2 minutes and 28 seconds for Atletico Madrid at home to Espanyol and it was game over in the Vicente Calderon in the game between two sides which had been dubbed the 'Chinese derby'.

   Espanyol failed to muster a single on shot on target during the 90 minutes, but there was bad news for Atletico, who lost midfielder Tiago Cardoso with a broken leg.

   Getafe took a surprise step away from the relegation zone with a 2-0 win at home to Villarreal, who had kicked off in fifth place in the table. Angel Lafita and Alvaro Vazquez scored in the 21st and 51st minutes of the game as Villarreal maybe pay for their efforts in the Europa League on Thursday.

   Athletic Club Bilbao suffered no such European hangovers as Aritz Aduriz's hat-trick gave the Basque side a convincing 3-0 win away to Rayo Vallecano.

   Malaga coach Javi Gracia saw his side throw away 3 vital points as they surrendered a 2-0 home lead to fellow strugglers, Granada. Charles and Pablo Fornals put Malaga ahead, only for late goals from El Arabi and Ruben Rochina to salvage a point for the visitors.

   Las Palmas were beaten 2-0 at home to Deportivo La Coruna as a result of David Simon's 19th minute own goal and a late effort from Lucas Vazquez, while Celta defeated Sporting Gijon 2-1 thanks to a goal which rebounded off Nolito.  Endi