Five teams still have 100% records following the second round of La Liga fixtures this weekend, with Barcelona in familiar territory at the top of the table having scored eight times and conceded none after two games.
The week's action began on Friday evening with Getafe needing a late penalty to claim a 2-2 draw against newly-promoted Almeria, before Athletic Bilbao made it six points from their two matches with a comfortable 2-0 success over a disappointing Osasuna side.
Real Sociedad came close to a shock defeat at the home of Elche in the first match on Saturday, but Carlos Vela's late equaliser ensured that they moved onto four points for the season. Espanyol also continued their encouraging start to the season with a 3-1 win over Valencia, before Villarreal made it six points from a possible six with a 2-1 win over Real Valladolid.
Sunday saw two of last season's top three in action as Diego Simeone led Atletico Madrid to a thumping 5-0 win over Rayo Vallecano. Sevilla are still looking for their first league win, however, after drawing 0-0 on the road against Levante.
Barcelona, who were without Lionel Messi, picked up a 1-0 win over Malaga courtesy of a first-half strike from Adriano, before the shock result of the weekend saw Celta Vigo take all three points from Real Betis, who are yet to get off the mark this season.
The fixtures were completed on Monday evening as Carlo Ancelotti took charge of an away league match as Real Madrid boss for the first time. The capital outfit dominated proceedings against Granada, but won it by just the odd goal with Karim Benzema finding the back of the net in the first half.
Here, Sports Mole selects its 11 top performers following another pulsating weekend of Spanish football.
Yoel (Celta Vigo)
Simply put, Betis should have been out of sight in the first half of their clash with Celta Vigo. Poor finishing contributed to that, but the away side also had Yoel to thank for a number of sensational saves. The 24-year-old, who came through the club's youth academy, was also calm and composed in possession, which helped settled those around him in the final couple of minutes.
Coke (Sevilla)
Sevilla struggled for invention in their 0-0 draw with Levante on Sunday, but they were impressive in defence, with Coke their standout performer in the La Liga clash. The right-back was also prepared to offer himself in the final third when presented with the opportunity, but his teammates were unable to connect despite a number of dangerous crosses.
Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)
Bilbao were defensively poor at times last season, but they have looked a more solid unit in the early stages of the new campaign. Much of that has been down to the performances of Laporte, who at the age of 19, is already one of their most important players. He is certainly one to watch for the Basque outfit.
Loukas Vyntra (Levante)
It is no coincidence that Levante look a more secure unit when they have the Greek international in their back four. The 31-year-old was a tower of strength in the club's 0-0 draw with Sevilla on Sunday evening, while he was also prepared to put his foot on the ball when necessary. He is one of the most dependable performers in the division.
Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid)
The Spaniard was dropped for his side's win over Real Betis on the opening weekend, but was recalled for their 1-0 victory over Granada on Monday evening. It appears that he will go head-to-head with Daniel Carvajal for a place in defence this season, but he did his chances no harm at all with a composed display in Andalusia.
Fernando Soriano (Almeria)
The 33-year-old opened his La Liga tally for the new season with his side's second in their 2-2 draw with Getafe on Friday. It could and perhaps should have been enough to claim all three points, but the newly-promoted side could not hold on in the latter stages. The Spaniard's performances will go a long way to deciding Almeria's fate come May 2014.
Cani (Villarreal)
The 32-year-old was at his composed best as Villarreal continued their 100% start to the season with a 2-1 win over Real Valladolid on Saturday. He also produced the outstanding moment of the weekend – collecting possession outside the opposition box before thumping an unstoppable effort into the top corner to secure all the points for this side.
Ruben Garcia (Atletico Madrid)
The Spanish midfielder did his hopes of securing a starting berth for the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona this week no harm at all with a double in Atletico's 5-0 win over Rayo Vallecano. Aside from his goals, the 27-year-old was bright and inventive in possession, causing problems to their capital rivals throughout the 90 minutes of action.
Arda Turan (Atletico Madrid)
It has been suggested that the Turkish international could depart Atletico this summer, but he has started this season is fine form. He added their third of the match against Rayo on Sunday, while his movement in the final third opened up the space for those around him. Surely Simeone cannot afford to let the experienced winger seek pastures new.
Charles (Celta Vigo)
The 29-year-old scored a lot of goals in the Segunda Division for Almeria last season, but he has also began his Celta career in fine fashion with two strikes in as many games. He might not have seen much of the ball in the first half of his side's 2-1 win over Betis on Sunday, but he was first to pounce after 67 minutes, a strike which sent Celta on their way to three points.
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
The Frenchman missed a good chance in the early stages of Madrid's clash with Granada on Monday, but he quickly rectified that error with a calm finish in their 1-0 win on the road. His movement in the final third was also intelligent, while he looks a more confident player in the new season.
Matt Law
