Barcelona dropped their first points of the season when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Málaga. They still top the table, but only on goal difference.
Sevilla join Barcelona at the top after a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad, Deulofeu scoring the only goal of the match early in the first half.
A goal from Miranda in the second half gave Atlético Madrid a 0-1 victory over a resilient Almeria and they are now only two points adrift if the leaders.
Elche took an early lead with a penalty converted by Gallego but then Real Madrid proceeded to score five, Ronaldo grabbing four, two from the penalty spot, after Gareth Bale had opened the scoring for them in the twentieth minute.