Real Madrid won its 12th consecutive BBVA Primera Liga game to move back to the top of the league table on Sunday evening.

A Cristiano Ronaldo penalty and a second half goal from Gonzalo Higuain, his 24th of the season, were enough to assure an easy 2-0 win away to a dreadful Racing Santander that failed to have a single shot on target all game.

The win was a good response to FC Barcelona, who had put the pressure on Madrid on Saturday night and Real Madrid will receive Barca as leaders in next weekend's game between the two teams.

With one eye on Tuesday's Champions League quarterfinal against Arsenal, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola rested key players against Athletic Bilbao. His brave team selection was rewarded when youngsters Bojan Krkic and Jeffren scored three of his side's goals in a 4-1 win.

Jeffren opened the scoring, while Bojan netted on either side of half time, before Leo Messi added the fourth. Athletic created several good chances and retrieved some honor after Markel Susaeta scored a consolation goal.

Saturday's other matches saw Sevilla return to form to give new coach Antonio Alvarez the three points on his home debut.

Luis Fabiano and Freddy Kanoute scored before half time and Jose Carlos sealed the win with a late goal.

The triumph is a huge boost to Sevilla's European ambitions, while Tenerife are starting to look favorites to be relegated.

Finally Zaragoza took a major step towards assuring its Primera Liga future with a 2-0 home win against Malaga. Ponzio and "Chupete" Suarez scored the goals that lifted the home side further away from the danger zone.

Sunday saw Villarreal take another step towards a top six finish with an easy win away to relegation haunted Valladolid. Revelations of players drinking and breaking club rules meant a tense atmosphere in the Nuevo Zorilla Stadium and Villarreal took full advantage with goals from Angel and Nilmar in a 2-0 triumph.

Getafe's European ambitions took a setback as Michel's side could only draw 1-1 at home to Espanyol. Osvaldo's goal for the visitors, his fifth since joining in January, cancelled out Manu del Moral's first half strike.

Xerez drew 2-2 away to Sporting Gijon to keep alive their slim hopes of avoiding relegation, while Almeria and Mallorca drew 1-1 with Webo's late goal earning a point for the visitors.

Meanwhile Valencia remains comfortable in third place after two more goals from David Villa helped Unai Emery's team to a straightforward 3-0 win at home to Osasuna.

Finally Atletico Madrid ended Spain's matchday 30 with a 3-0 win over Deportivo la Coruna. Juanito, Thiago and Forlan scored against a rival that needs the end of the season to arrive as soon as possible.

Real Madrid won its 12th consecutive BBVA Primera Liga game to move back to the top of the league table on Sunday evening.

A Cristiano Ronaldo penalty and a second half goal from Gonzalo Higuain, his 24th of the season, were enough to assure an easy 2-0 win away to a dreadful Racing Santander that failed to have a single shot on target all game.

The win was a good response to FC Barcelona, who had put the pressure on Madrid on Saturday night and Real Madrid will receive Barca as leaders in next weekend's game between the two teams.

With one eye on Tuesday's Champions League quarterfinal against Arsenal, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola rested key players against Athletic Bilbao. His brave team selection was rewarded when youngsters Bojan Krkic and Jeffren scored three of his side's goals in a 4-1 win.

Jeffren opened the scoring, while Bojan netted on either side of half time, before Leo Messi added the fourth. Athletic created several good chances and retrieved some honor after Markel Susaeta scored a consolation goal.

Saturday's other matches saw Sevilla return to form to give new coach Antonio Alvarez the three points on his home debut.

Luis Fabiano and Freddy Kanoute scored before half time and Jose Carlos sealed the win with a late goal.

The triumph is a huge boost to Sevilla's European ambitions, while Tenerife are starting to look favorites to be relegated.

Finally Zaragoza took a major step towards assuring its Primera Liga future with a 2-0 home win against Malaga. Ponzio and "Chupete" Suarez scored the goals that lifted the home side further away from the danger zone.

Sunday saw Villarreal take another step towards a top six finish with an easy win away to relegation haunted Valladolid. Revelations of players drinking and breaking club rules meant a tense atmosphere in the Nuevo Zorilla Stadium and Villarreal took full advantage with goals from Angel and Nilmar in a 2-0 triumph.

Getafe's European ambitions took a setback as Michel's side could only draw 1-1 at home to Espanyol. Osvaldo's goal for the visitors, his fifth since joining in January, cancelled out Manu del Moral's first half strike.

Xerez drew 2-2 away to Sporting Gijon to keep alive their slim hopes of avoiding relegation, while Almeria and Mallorca drew 1-1 with Webo's late goal earning a point for the visitors.

Meanwhile Valencia remains comfortable in third place after two more goals from David Villa helped Unai Emery's team to a straightforward 3-0 win at home to Osasuna.

Finally Atletico Madrid ended Spain's matchday 30 with a 3-0 win over Deportivo la Coruna. Juanito, Thiago and Forlan scored against a rival that needs the end of the season to arrive as soon as possible.