Barcelona maintained their impressive home record in the Primera Division with a 2-1 victory over Getafe - despite finishing the game with nine men following the dismissals of Gerard Pique and Rafael Marquez.
Pique was sent off for a cynical lunge on Rafa Lopez after 24 minutes, although Barca were already a goal to the good by then, thanks to Lionel Messi's brilliant early strike.
Pep Guardiola's side never really looked in danger, despite Pique's departure, and their dominance finally paid off as Xavi all but sealed a 17th league win of the season in the 67th minute.
Roberto Soldado's stoppage-time penalty pulled a goal back for the visitors and Marquez was sent off for his foul on Kepa Blanco which led to the spot-kick.
After the game Barca coach Pep Guardiola said criticism of referees is pointless. "We shouldn't always doubt the referees - we need to enjoy this wonderful league and spend less time talking about referees. It's not worth talking about it - they make mistakes and get things right like everybody else,'' he added.
"I am very proud,'' he said. "Getafe are the worst team to play against with 10 men, but we took a step forward and my players behaved marvellously. It is one of the best days we have had, one of the games with most merit.''
Pique and Marquez will be suspended, while their fellow defender Dani Alves was a late withdrawal from the team after he felt a pain in his calf during the warm-up. The Brazilian is facing a three-week lay-off.
Midfielder Yaya Toure, who played in defence following Pique's early dismissal, limped off with a leg injury and is likely to be sidelined for 10-15 days.
Real Madrid continued their 100% home record in La Liga and kept the gap on leaders Barcelona at five points after recording a comfortable 3-0 victory over Espanyol.
First-half goals from Sergio Ramos and Kaka put Madrid in control, and substitute Gonzalo Higuain added a brilliant third late on as Manuel Pellegrini's men made it 11 out of 11 at the Bernabeu.
Valencia spoiled Onesimo Sanchez's debut as Real Valladolid coach on Saturday, winning 2-0 to secure third place in La Liga for another week.
Struggling Valladolid, who are 17th, sacked Jose Luis Mendilibar on Monday but the change failed to spark an immediate revival in their fortunes at the Mestalla.
Ever Banega was at the centre of most of Valencia's best moves and cracked in a fierce drive for the opener after eight minutes.
The Argentine midfielder then crossed for David Villa to head his 15th league goal of the campaign in the 29th and the hosts squandered several more chances after the break.
Valencia have 42 points from 21 games and are 10 points behind leaders Barcelona who play King's Cup semi-finalists Getafe at the Nou Camp later on Saturday.
Second-placed Real Madrid, with 47 points, are at home to Espanyol in the late game.
