Barcelona lost at home in La Liga for the first time in more than two years as Real Betis pulled off a stunning 4-3 victory, despite Lionel Messi scoring twice on his return from injury.
Barca last endured a league defeat at the Camp Nou against Alaves in September 2016 but, following 42 games unbeaten, their run was ended by a brilliant, counter-attacking display from Betis on Sunday.
Three hours later, Real Madrid were putting the finishing touches to a 4-2 win away at Celta Vigo, a result expected to earn Santiago Solari an extension to his tenure as coach.
Real have now posted four consecutive victories since Solari was put in temporary charge while the gap behind Barca has been reduced to four points.
"He has done excellently," Madrid club director Emilio Butragueno said afterwards.
"We are very happy with how things have gone."
On his future, Solari said: "We'll see. I don't usually plan too far ahead but in principle, it's my day off tomorrow."
"I don't want to take any credit away from our opponent but we could have countered them better."
"It should also help us to realise it is never easy to win."
"Winning at the Camp Nou requires concentration and doing everything very well. We played a great game."
- Faster, sharper and hungrier -
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