Lionel Messi could not produce a goal to mark the birth of his first son but Barcelona still took the points with a straightforward 3-1 victory over Celta Vigo on Saturday.
Three goals in the space of five minutes sparked the match into life after the 20-minute mark as Adriano and David Villa scored either side of Mario Bermejo’s strike for Celta. Jordi Alba secured the win just after the hour.
Barcelona moved three points clear at the top after Atletico Madrid’s unbeaten start to the season was ended with a 2-0 defeat at Valencia.
Atletico had won eight matches on the trot in the league, but succumbed to Roberto Soldado’s 21st-minute goal and a stoppage-time strike from Nelson Valdez at the Mestalla.
Real Madrid moved into third place and handed Jose Mourinho his 100th win in charge of the club with a 4-0 victory over Real Zaragoza.
Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria put the hosts in a commanding position midway through the first half and the win was wrapped up in the final two minutes as Michael Essien and Luka Modric scored their first goals for the club.
