Atletico Madrid winger Antoine Griezmann struck twice as they defeated Almeria 3-0.
Mario Mandzukic opened the scoring with a controversial penalty before Griezmann's brace ensured the game was over as a contest inside the first half-hour.
Guilherme Siqueira was sent off in stoppage time for the Rojiblancos but it made little difference as they took advantage of Barcelona's defeat to Malaga to move within three points of the second-placed Catalans.
Griezmann said: "We're happy to get the three points and to continue showing that we're strong at home. We wanted to get back to winning ways after the defeat in Vigo."