Real Madrid crushes Osasuna Real Madrid remain six points clear at the top of the BBVA Primera Liga following their 5-1 win away to Osasun...

Real Madrid crushes Osasuna

Real Madrid remain six points clear at the top of the BBVA Primera Liga following their 5-1 win away to Osasuna on Saturday night. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Real Madrid remain six points clear at the top of the BBVA Primera Liga following their 5-1 win away to Osasuna on Saturday night. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

MADRID, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid remain six points clear at the top of the BBVA Primera Liga following their 5-1 win away to Osasuna this Saturday night.

The game had been painted as one of Madrid's most difficult away matches in the remainder of this season, but Jose Mourinho's side were rarely in trouble.

Madrid led 3-0 by the break thanks to magnificent goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain.

Nino pulled a goal back for the home side, but further goals from Ronaldo and Higuain showed Madrid's enormous firepower and sealed the win.

Barcelona took advantage of the tiredness of an Athletic Club Bilbao who had finished their Europa League tie against Schalke 04 just 47 hours before the kick off in the Camp Nou Stadium to win 2-0.

Tiredness obliged Athletic coach Marcelo Bielsa to rest key players Ander Herrera, Fernando Llorente, Iker Muniain and Fernando Amorebieta and play with less regular first team players.

Barcelona took advantage by playing at a high pace and after several first half chances Andres Iniesta opened the scoring five minutes from half time.

A Leo Messi penalty, which was given after what looked like a dive by Christian Tello 13 minutes after the break sealed the break.

Malaga's hopes of finishing in the top three suffered a blow as they lost 2-0 at home to Betis. Goals from Ruben Castro and Jose Dorado before the break gave Betis a shock win and stopped Malaga moving third.

Earlier in the day Zaragoza's incredible recent run of form continued as a 91st minute goal from Angel Lafita gave them a 2-1 win away to Sporting Gijon in a battle between direct rivals to avoid relegation.

Helder Postiga had put Zaragoza ahead after 36 minutes only for Sebastian Eguren to level four minutes after the break, but Lafita gave his side their 13th point from six games with a goal late in the game.

There was also a late goal in the El Sardinero Stadium in the game between Racing Santander and Granada as Granada defender Sigueria scored an 89th minute penalty to give his side a huge boost in their battle to avoid relegation, The result leaves Racing looking condemned to relegation.