Real Madrid held off Rayo Vallecano to a 3-2 win as Real Sociedad thrashed 10-man Osasuna 5-0 on Saturday.
Real held on to victory and remained in third place on the La Liga log after holding on to victory against Vallecano, who fought-back from three goals down in the second-half.
Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a brace and Karim Benzema completed scoring for the Los Blancos before two Jonathan Viera penalties in the space of three minutes left Real hanging on.
Diego Lopez was on hand to safe Alberto Bueno’s shot on to the post on 65 minute and help the visitors maintain their lead.
Real are now six points behind leaders Barcelona and two points behind their Madrid rivals Atletico, who play against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
Sociedad secured a 5-0 home win over Osasuna, who were reduced to ten men in the second period of their tie.
Ion Ansotegi, Inigo Martinez, Antoine Griezmann, Gonzalo Castro and Haris Saferovic scored for Sociedad, who will host United in the Uefa Champions League on Tuesday.
Osasuna’s Jordan Loties saw red on 49 minute with the score at 2-0 as Sociedad went on to seal their fourth league victory.
Barcelona remain top of the Spanish League after Alexis Sanchez’s second-half winner helped beat neighbours Espanyol 1-0 and stretch their unbeaten league start to a 12th game on Saturday.
Barcelona dominated possession against their opponent, but did not make a breakthrough until Sanchez tapped in Neymar’s low cross.
Dani Alvez hit the Espanyol post, soon after he almost gifted Victor Sanchez a first-half goal for the visitors.
Barca are four points clear of ATletico Madrid at the top of the league standing.
