Real put six past Valencia

Three days after a 1-0 extra-time victory over Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final at the same stadium, Real rested a number of first-team regulars but still proved too strong for third-placed Valencia.

Karim Benzema opened the scoring, Kaka grabbed himself a double - including a sublime curler after nutmegging Marius Stankevicius - and Higuain rattled in three goals as Valencia were torn apart by the pace of Real's counter-attacks.

Home striker Roberto Soldado had made it 5-1 after an hour, and, as Real eased up, Valencia's Jonas and Jordi Alba grabbed late goals to make the scoreline slightly more respectable.

Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to get a shot on goal in the final 24 minutes after making an appearance from the bench. He did, however, fall awkwardly, holding his wrist for a while - a minor scare ahead of the upcoming Champions League semi-finals against Barcelona.

The win meant Jose Mourinho's side put a little more pressure on Barca, who nevertheless beat relegation-threatened Osasuna 2-0 later on Saturday.

After the matches Barca have 88 points, Real 80 and Valencia 63.

Athletic Bilbao climbed to 51 points in fifth with a 2-1 derby win at home to Basque rivals Real Sociedad that came courtesy of first-half goals from Iker Muniain and Gaizka Toquero.