Karim Benzema nails treble in Real Madrid thumping of Valladolid

Rodrygo opened proceedings before his captain nodded in Vinicius Jr's cross on 29 minutes to double his side's advantage.

The Frenchman quickly got himself on the scoresheet twice more and Marco Asensio added another after the break before Lucas Vazquez completed the rout in stoppage time.

Atletico Madrid left it late but kept pace with their second-placed city rivals after Angel Correa's 86th-minute strike made the difference in their 1-0 victory over Real Betis.

Sixth-placed Villarreal secured their fourth win in five matches and pulled within four points of fourth-placed opponents Real Sociedad with a 2-0 victory.

Dani Parejo's penalty opened the scoring on 77 minutes and Nicolas Jackson doubled the advantage four minutes later before he saw red in time added on.

Almeria remain in the drop zone but drew level on points with 17th-placed Espanyol after a 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo.