FC Barcelona defeated Cetla Vigo 3-1 thanks to goals from Adriano, who later had to leave the match with a groin injury. The win means Barca have confirmed their best ever start to a season with 28 points from a possible 30.

Coach Tito Vilanova later said the points were more important than the record, but the result keeps Barcelona top of the table and still eight points ahead of Real Madrid.

Jose Mourinho's side moved into third place thanks to a 4-0 win at home to Zaragoza. Gonzalo Higuain, Angel de Maria put Madrid 2-0 up by halftime before late goals from Michael Essien and Luka Modric put some makeup onto the result after what was not in truth a great display.

It was, however, Madrid's 100th win under the guidance of Mourinho, although he too was fast to take any importance from the result.

Slowly but surely the top of the table is beginning to take on a familiar look as Malaga, who had kicked off the day in third, dropped to a surprise 2-1 home defeat against Rayo Vallecano.

Rayo striker, Piti, scored a goal in each half to give his side a just reward for a brave display of attacking football.

Atletico Madrid remain second but are now three points behind Barca after losing 2-0 away to a tough Valencia. Roberto Soldado scored a fine opening goal and Nelson Valdez ensured the points would stay in the Mestalla Stadium with his side's second which came deep in injury time.

Sunday kicked off with Espanyol producing a 1-0 win away to Real Sociedad. A Jesus Colotto goal 13 minutes from time saw the points travel back to Barcelona and the home fans voiced their anger with Real Sociedad coach Phillipe Montainier, whose side have now lost their last two home games as well as losing in Corboda in the Copa del Rey in midweek.

Bruna Gama's 30th minute goal lifted Deportivo La Coruna out of the relegation zone thanks to a 1-0 win at home to Mallorca, who have dropped off badly after a good start to the season.

Meanwhile Osasuna coach Jose Luis Mendilibar is under pressure after a 1-0 home defeat to Valladolid has left his side rock bottom of the table.

Patrick Ebert's cool chip with seven minutes left in the game gave Valladolid a valuable away win, but was harsh on Osasuna who carried the weight of the game.

Granada can also count themselves unlucky to have lost 2-1 at home to Athletic Club. Two goals from Aritz Aduriz, one of them a debatable penalty decision, put Athletic on the way and the Basque side held on in an open second half after El Arabi had got Granada back into the game after 50 minutes.

Meanwhile Sevilla and Levante rounded off Sunday's action with a 0-0 draw, which keeps both in the top half of the table.