Atlético Madrid kept up their free-scoring streak but had to survive a late scare in a 4-3 win against Rayo Vallecano de Madrid, while Real Sociedad were the only other team to win on Sunday.
After scoring four in their last league outing against Athletic Club and their UEFA Super Cup victory against Chelsea, the rampant Rojiblancos were at it again, Mario Suárez starting things off with a neat side-footed finish midway through the first half.
After the break, Koke and Arda Turan scored almost identical goals two minutes apart, both turning in low right-wing crosses, and when Diego Costa was brought down by Javier Fuego in the area, Falcao scored his seventh goal in his last three club outings from the spot.
However, two finishes from close range by Andrija Delibašić and a Leo strike in the 89th minute set nerves jangling among the home support. Atlético were nonetheless able to hold on.
Real Sociedad got their second win of the season as Iñigo Martínez’s header and a Carlos Vela penalty were enough to seal a 2-0 defeat of Real Zaragoza, who dropped to 17th after a third reverse in four games.
The remaining three matches all ended level, though there was plenty of entertainment as Espanyol and Athletic Club played out a 3-3 draw, with only Aritz Aduriz’s 83rd-minute strike denying the hosts a first victory of the season after Samuele Longo appeared to have won it.
Granada drew 1-1 with Deportivo La Coruña and Osasuna earned their first point in a 1-1 stalemate with Mallorca.
