La Liga Gameweek 17: In pictures

Simao scored the first in Espanyol’s 2 – 0 win over Deportivo

Carlos Vela helped Real Sociedad add to Sevilla’s misery

Soldado had a goal and an assist in Valencia’s 4 – 2 win over Getafe

For a change, Falcao didn’t score for Atletico..

..who still beat Celta Vigo thanks to a goal from Adrian

An early deficit to a Benat goal was overturned by Mallorca..

..leaving Betis manager Pepe Mel to rue this upset loss

Messi scored an incredible 91st goal of 2012..

..while Tello grabbed a late third for Barca, whose lead had been cut to one goal in the 89th minute

No amount of arguing could save Osasuna from a 1 – 2 loss to Granada

Iker Casillas was left out of the starting eleven..

.. and Ronaldo failed to inspire an overrun Real Madrid

Joaquin and Santa Cruz combined twice for two goals that gave Malaga a 3 – 1 advantage

Benzema gave Real a glimmer of hope with their second in the 82nd minute..

..but it was Malaga who would come out on top, winning 3 – 2

Two first half goals were enough for Zaragoza to leapfrog Athletic Bilbao in the bottom half of the table