Valencia maintained their lead at the top of La Liga while Real Madrid lost further ground on their rivals.

Two goals inside the opening ten minutes saw off the challenge of Sporting Gijon at El Molinon courtesy of Mehmet Topal and Roberto Soldado in a 2-0 win for the visitors.

Champions Barcelona moved to within a point of the early leaders as they ran out 3-1 winners over Athletic Bilbao, with both teams finishing a man short.

Fernando Amorebieta saw red ten minutes before half time and the visitors took full advantage in the second half with three strikes thanks to Keita, Xavi and Sergio Busquets.

Striker David Villa then saw red for violent conduct before Igor Gabilondo grabbed a consolation goal late on. Elsewhere on Saturday, Real Madrid played out their second 0-0 of the season, as Jose Mourinho lost further ground on the frontrunners at the expense of Levante.

On Sunday, Atletico Madrid sealed a narrow 1-0 win over Real Zaragoza, despite having Jose Antonio Reyes sent off. Meanwhile, a David Trezeguet brace shocked Sevilla in a 2-0 win for the newly promoted side.

Elsewhere, Fernando Cavenaghi scored twice as Real Mallorca defeated Real Sociedad, While Espanyol registered a narrow 1-0 win over Osasuna.

Almeria shocked Deportivo with a quick-fire brace from Kalu Uche early on settling the 2-0 score and, finally, Getafe grabbed a 1-0 over Racing Santander with Victor Sanchez netting the winner.