Barcelona squeezed past Levante 7-0 to possibly set the standard for the season, although Levante didn’t really put up much of a fight. Messi and Pedro both bagged a pair and Sanchez, Alves and Xavi grabbed one apiece.

Real Sociedad got the new La Liga season under way on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Getafe, Carolos Vela and Seferovic the scorers with one goal coming in each half.

Real Sociedad clinched the fourth Champions League spot after winning 0-1 at Deportivo La Coruña while Valencia went down 4-3 to Sevilla.

José Mourinho’s final match in charge of Real Madrid ended in a 4-2 victory over Osasuna. No trophies this season, but he does at least bow out with a win.

Sunday was the penultimate day of La Liga and some interesting results and a few chances in the all important ‘European placings’.

An under-strength Barcelona were 2-1 victors in their match against Real Valladolid on Sunday, an early strike by Pedro and an own goal from Valiente just before half time being sufficient. Victor Peréz scored from the penalty spot in the 89th minute for the visitors.

Valencia and Real Sociedad are still battling for the fourth Champions League slot, both teams winning their matches on Saturday.

Málaga and Sevilla played out a 0-0 draw on Sunday evening, the result leaving Málaga in sixth place in La Liga but now under threat from Betis who have played one game less.

Two goals from Soldado and one each from Guardado and Valdez gave Valencia comfortable victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

Barcelona are La Liga champions after Real Madrid could only draw 1-1 at Espanyol on Saturday evening.