The two Spanish teams involved in European qualifiers this week both negotiated their way through safely to the league stage of their respective competitions, Negredo scoring an impressive opener in Monaco to take Valencia into the Champions League proper (a record fifth Liga side in Thursday’s draw), and Elustondo firing home as Athletic beat Zilina on the away goal rule in the Europa League.

A few more goals in the league after the opening round record low, although neither Messi nor Ronaldo are off the mark yet. Real Madrid did hit five however against Betis, Bale and James scoring two each, and Barcelona beat Málaga by a single goal, Vermaelen coming to the rescue after the front three failed to find the net. Meanwhile Nolito notched up a brace (including a penalty) for Celta, who surprisingly share the lead with Eibar, Adrián González getting his second of the season for the Basque minnows in a 2-0 victory over their prestigious neighbours Athletic. Elsewhere Soldado scored one and set up two more for new boy Bakambu as Villarreal came from behind to win 3-1 against Espanyol, and Negredo followed up his European goal with the equalizer against Deportivo. (01.09.15)

Pichichi League Cup Europe Total (Penalties)
Aduríz (Athletic Bilbao) 0 4 0 4 (1)
Messi (Barcelona) 0 1 2 3 (0)
Nolito (Celta) 2 0 0 2 (1)
Adrián González (Eibar) 2 0 0 2 (0)
Bale (Real Madrid) 2 0 0 2 (0)
James (Real Madrid) 2 0 0 2 (0)
Bakambu (Villarreal) 2 0 0 2 (0)
Soldado (Villarreal) 2 0 0 2 (0)
Luis Suárez (Barcelona) 1 0 1 2 (0)
Negredo (Valencia) 1 0 1 2 (0)
Eraso (Athletic Bilbao) 0 0 2 2 (0)