Real Madrid regained top spot in La Liga courtesy of a thrilling 3-2 victory over European hopefuls Villarreal at the Estadio de la Ceramica this evening.

For the second match in the space of a week, Madrid found themselves two goals down, but this time they were able to fight back courtesy of three goals in the final half an hour as they took another step towards a first league title since 2012.

Goals from Manuel Trigueros and Cedric Bakambu had put the visitors on course for a second damaging defeat in the space of four days, but Gareth Bale pulled one back before a highly-controversial Cristiano Ronaldo penalty restored parity.

Alvaro Morata then came off the bench to complete the turnaround, lifting Madrid one point clear at the top of the table with a game in hand over the chasing pack.

Earlier on, Barcelona claimed a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon.

Diego Godin had quickly cancelled out Rafinha’s second-half opener as the two top-four rivals looked on course for a share of the spoils, but Lionel Messi struck late to rescue his side for the second consecutive week