Another good haul of goals on the return from the international break, and the average over the first four weekends is over 30. Messi extended his lead at the top of our chart with his sixth of the season in a 3-2 win over Sevilla on Saturday, although goals by Rakitic and Coke almost saved a point for the Andalusians before Alexis's (very) late winner. Barça are joint top with Atlético, who are level with them on points and goal difference after a 4-2 victory over Almería. David Villa got the opener for Simeone's side and Diego Costa added a penalty, with Rodri one of the scorers for the visitors.

Villarreal and Real Madrid drop two points behind the leaders though after they drew 2-2, a first by Madrid's record signing Gareth Bale and Ronaldo's second goal of the season not enough as Giovani saved a point for the locals later on. There were first wins, in the league at least, for Málaga and Betis, El Hamdaoui the star for Schuster's team with a hat-trick against Rayo on his first start for his new club, and Molina on target for the Sevilla based side as they beat Valencia 3-1.

Monday night saw the inauguration of the new San Mamés stadium, but although Athletic beat Celta 3-2, the first goal on the hallowed ground was scored by visiting striker Charles. (17.09.13)

Pichichi League Cup Europe Total (Penalties)
Messi (Barcelona) 6 0 0 6 (1)
Rodri (Almería) 4 0 0 4 (0)
Diego Costa (Atlético) 4 0 0 4 (1)
Jorge Molina (Betis) 2 0 2 4 (0)
Vela (Real Sociedad) 2 0 2 4 (0)
Charles (Celta) 3 0 0 3 (0)
El Hamdaoui (Málaga) 3 0 0 3 (0)
Isco (Real Madrid) 3 0 0 3 (0)
Postiga (Valencia) 3 0 0 3 (0)
Giovani (Villarreal) 3 0 0 3 (1)
Villa (Atlético Madrid) 2 1 0 3 (0)
Gameiro (Sevilla) 2 0 1 3 (0)
Coke (Sevilla) 1 0 2 3 (0)
Perotti (Sevilla) 1 0 2 3 (1)
Rakitic (Sevilla) 1 0 2 3 (0)
Bacca (Sevilla) 0 0 3 3 (0)