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La Liga's three-team fight for the title continues to excite fans, as the Madrid clubs claimed impressive victories and fully benefited from Barcelona's slip-up against relegation-threatened Real Valladolid, a key loss which might come back to haunt Tata Martino at the end of the season.

Let's take a look at the best performances after the culmination of the latest week.

GK - Diego Marino (Real Valladolid)

Diego Marino - Real Valladolid

GK - Diego Marino (Real Valladolid)

Diego Marino - Real Valladolid

Valladolid's Diego Marino put on an inspired performance against Barca in front of jubilant home fans who will remember the result for a long time.

DF - Marcelo (Real Madrid)

Marcelo - Real Madrid

DF - Marcelo (Real Madrid)

Marcelo - Real Madrid

Brazilian full-back Marcelo finally broke his 33-game scoreless streak for club and country with a fine strike, while his cross late in the game also led to Levante's Nikos Karabelas scoring an own-goal.

DF - Joseba Zaldua (Real Sociedad)

Joseba Zaldua - Real Sociedad
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DF - Joseba Zaldua (Real Sociedad)

Joseba Zaldua - Real Sociedad
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Real Sociedad's Joseba Zaldua had a busy game with seven interceptions and eight clearances, but his team ultimately succumbed 2-3 to Rayo Vallecano.

DF - Flavio Ferreira (Malaga)

Flavio Ferreira - Malaga
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DF - Flavio Ferreira (Malaga)

Flavio Ferreira - Malaga
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Centre back Flavio Ferreira helped Malaga to a fine victory over Osasuna as his team overcame the loss of Jesus Gamez to a second booking just after the break. Up next is a tough game at home against Carlo Ancelotti's table-toppers.

DF - Daniel Carrico (Sevilla)

Daniel Carrico - Sevilla

DF - Daniel Carrico (Sevilla)

Daniel Carrico - Sevilla

Daniel Carrico's second-half goal and solid defensive work, which also included nine clearances, helped Sevilla conveniently overcome Almeria.

MF - David Lopez (Espanyol)

David Lopez - Espanyol
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MF - David Lopez (Espanyol)

David Lopez - Espanyol
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David Lopez's header in the second minute set the tone for Espanyol's victory over Elche. He also contributed on defense with four interceptions.

MF - Vicente Iborra (Sevilla)

MF - Vicente Iborra (Sevilla)

MF - Vicente Iborra (Sevilla)

MF - Vicente Iborra (Sevilla)

Sevilla's Vicente Iborra shined for his team with 40 successful passes, and contributed in defense with three clearances and two interceptions as his team continued to stay in the hunt for a Europa League spot.

MF - Ruben Pardo (Real Sociedad)

MF - Ruben Pardo (Real Sociedad)

MF - Ruben Pardo (Real Sociedad)

MF - Ruben Pardo (Real Sociedad)

Despite losing to Vallecano, Sociedad features another player on the list this week. 21-year-old midfielder Ruben Pardo, a target for Liverpool and Manchester United, had another impressive performance with a goal just before halftime while also leading his team with 44 successful passes. He even helped the defense with five interceptions.

MF - Luka Modric (Real Madrid)

Luka Modric - Real Madrid
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MF - Luka Modric (Real Madrid)

Luka Modric - Real Madrid
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Luka Modric continued to shine at the heart of Real's midfield and received a standing ovation from the fans.

FW - David Villa (Atletico Madrid)

David Villa - Atletico Madrid
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FW - David Villa (Atletico Madrid)

David Villa - Atletico Madrid
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David Villa's rapid-fire finishes helped Atletico overcome Celta Vigo after a lacklustre first half. The Spanish international has now scored 13 league goals this season and has been the perfect backup for starlet Diego Costa.

FW - Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Cristiano Ronaldo - Real Madrid
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FW - Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Cristiano Ronaldo - Real Madrid
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Cristiano Ronaldo scored one and set up another goal as Real Madrid took full advantage of Barca's slip-up against Valladolid. He opened the scoring against Levante with another of his trademark header and is now level with Luis Suarez in the race for the Golden Boot this season.

Be sure to check back next week to see La Liga's Best XI of the week!

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