Real Madrid hit Athletic Bilbao for five on the same weekend that Barcelona continued their stunning start to the La Liga season with a comfortable win over Real Zaragoza.

Valencia also picked up three points on a pulsating Saturday of action, but Malaga could not keep pace with the top three as they drew away to Osasuna in a tight encounter.

Sunday brought yet more drama as Levante recorded a 2-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna with two red cards and a penalty miss on the agenda. Meanwhile, Getafe and Atletico Madrid were victorious and Sevilla thumped Real Betis 5-1 at the Estadio Ramon.

Here, Sports Mole selects its 11 best performers following another week of enthralling action in La Liga.

Gustavo Munua (Levante)
The Levante stopper was under constant pressure from Deportivo in the second period of their clash on Sunday, but he stood up to the challenge and made a host of fine saves.

Federico Fazio (Sevilla)
The 25-year-old defender scored two goals as his side thumped Real Betis 5-1 at home and he put in a towering display at the other end.
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Having been played at right-back for the majority of last season, the Spaniard once more proved what his best position is with a stunning display in central defence against Athletic Bilbao.
Carlos Puyol (Barcelona)
Puyol? Past it? Not one bit. The Spaniard slotted effortlessly back into the Barcelona defence for their win over Real Zaragoza. He is such a calming influence and a proper defender.
David Navarro (Levante)
The 32-year-old was a complete giant as his side beat Deportivo on Sunday. The ball was like a magnet to his head as he made challenge after challenge.

Jeremy Toulalan (Malaga)
His side may not have picked up all three points against Osasuna, but the Frenchman provided a masterclass in the anchorman role. He was class personified.
Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
The Croatian has had his critics since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, but his passing and movement were sublime in Madrid's win over Athletic Bilbao.
Jose Antonio Reyes (Sevilla)
The former Arsenal midfielder has struggled for form in recent seasons, but he was exceptional as he scored two goals in his side's win over Real Betis.

Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Benzema has shared the striking role with Gonzalo Higuain this season, but he proved his point with two goals in a superb all-round display against Bilbao.
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Just the two goals and an assist for the Argentine in his side's win over Real Zaragoza. He now has 15 league goals for the season. What more can be said?
Obafemi Martins (Levante)
The Nigerian has certainly done the rounds in terms of clubs in recent seasons, but he was a real livewire against Deportivo and capped his performance with a goal.