Real Madrid strengthened their already-commanding position in the title race on Sunday by defeating Atletico Madrid 2-0 to move 13 points clear of the defending champions in La Liga. Atletico have a game in hand over their rivals but the advantage is considerable and perhaps even insurmountable, even in December.

Barcelona are now 18 points adrift and arguably an irrelevance at the top after they were earlier held to a 2-2 draw away at Osasuna. Sevilla, who last won the Spanish title in 1946, are the closest challengers, eight points back, and having played a game fewer. Karim Benzema was passed fit enough to start and then, worryingly for Madrid went off again at half-time, but not before volleying them into the lead. Marco Asensio doubled the advantage in the second half.