FC Barcelona head into the international break on top of La Liga after a 1-0 victory at Real Sporting de Gijón on a weekend when the chasing pack also all won.
Josep Guardiola’s titleholders were made to work hard for their victory on Sunday evening, Adriano’s 12th-minute goal all that separated the sides. Alongside Barcelona on 14 points, in second only on goal difference, are surprise package Levante, who triumphed 1-0 at Real Betis Balompié to preserve their unbeaten record for the season.
A point adrift of the early pacesetters are Real Madrid, who prevailed 4-0 at Espanyol thanks to a Gonzalo Higuaín hat-trick and a goal from José Callejón against his former employers. Both level with Madrid on 13 points are Málaga – 3-2 victors at home to Getafe – and Valencia who on Saturday won 1-0 against Granada thanks to an early Sergio Canales strike.
Sevilla, in sixth, fell off the pace with a goalless draw at Atlético Madrid. Elsewhere, Athletic Club won 2-1 at Real Sociedad, while Villarreal versus Real Zaragoza, Osasuna against Mallorca and Rayo Vallecano’s trip to Real Racing Club all ended in draws.