Real Madrid were cruising at 0-3 after two goals from Ronaldo and one from Benzema, but two penalties within three minutes, both converted by Jonathan Viera, brought bottom club Rayo Vallecano back into the match.

A 68th minute goal from Alexis Sanchez against Espanyol on Friday night was enough to see Barcelona stretch their unbeaten run to twelve games. Barca are four points clear of Atletico Madrid, who host Bilbao on Sunday.

Málaga are continuing their slide down towards the wrong end of the table and the danger zone, only managing a 0-0 draw against Espanyol on Tuesday evening.

Oliver Torres scored with almost the first kick of the game after fifteen seconds and Gabi found the net with the last kick of the match. In between, David Villa (2) and Diego Costa bagged three more as Atlético Madrid were comfortable 5-0 winners against Real Betis.

Only two yellow cards at La Rosaleda, probably because the ref was too busy with all the goals slamming into the Málaga net at regular intervals. Alex López with two, Augusto Fernández, Nolito and Charles were on target as Celta hammered the Blue and Whites 0-5.

Both the top two teams lost their 100% records on Saturday as Barcelona were held to a 0-0 draw at Osasuna and Atlético Madrid lost 1-0 to Espanyol, Courtois being credited with an own goal after deflecting a Fuentes shot into his own net.

A Di Maria strike and a controversial late penalty converted by Cristiano Ronaldo gave Real Madrid a 2-0 victory over Málaga on Saturday afternoon.

Barcelona extended their start of season record winning streak to eight matches after a 4-1 win over Valladolid.

Oriol Riera scored the only goal of the match as Osasuna beat Málaga 0-1 on Friday evening, while Villarreal moved up to third place, at least temporarily, after beating Granada 3-0 courtesy of goals by Bruno, Giovani and Tómas Pina.

The top two maintained their 100% records in La Liga on Saturday, both Barcelona and Atlético making it seven out of seven so far this season.