Argentinian striker Gonzalo Higuaín scored twice as Real Madrid CF overcame the first-half dismissal of Raúl Albiol to defeat Getafe CF 2-0 and record their first win in all competitions for four matches.
FC Barcelona have received a timely boost ahead of their UEFA Champions League encounter at FC Rubin Kazan with news that captain Carles Puyol has signed a three-year contract extension.
Robin van Persie hit two as Arsenal FC beat Tottenham Hotspur FC 3-0 and leaders Chelsea FC won 4-0 at Bolton Wanderers FC, but nine-man Liverpool slipped to another defeat, 3-1 at Fulham FC.
FC Schalke 04 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen, who meet in Saturday's late match, were given plenty of reason to cheer ahead of their game at the Arena Auf Schalke as their main title rivals slipped up.
RSC Anderlecht coach Ariël Jacobs has extended his contract by two years until summer 2012. "I'm very honoured that the club appreciates my work," said the 56-year-old.
Bohemian FC have effectively won back-to-back league titles for the first time in their 119-year history after results on the penultimate weekend of the season went the Dubliners' way.
