Real Madrid coach Vicente del Bosque was keen to stress that the race for the Spanish title was far from over despite his side gaining the upper hand following this weekend's league action.
Real's 4-0 thrashing of neighbours Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad's 3-2 defeat at Champions League-bound Celta Vigo meant that with just one game left to play Del Bosque's side have a two-point advantage at the top of the table.
Real go into their final game of the season against Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabeu next weekend knowing that if they win or match Sociedad's result at home to Atletico Madrid they will be assured of a 29th league title.
"We certainly can't say that the league is ours," a typically downbeat Del Bosque said. "We have a very difficult game against Athletic to come and they are still playing for a place in the UEFA Cup.
"What is clear, though, is that we have now got a clear advantage in the title race".