Madrid: Real Madrid beat Zaragoza 4-0 but remain eight points behind record-breaking Barcelona who earlier won 3-1 against Celta Vigo to go three points ahead of the pack.
Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Maria struck in a two minute blitz midway through the first half on Saturday while Michael Essien and Luka Modric added another two late on but despite their recent good form it will be difficult to claw back the Catalan side, who have made their best start to a season.
Barcelona now have nine wins and a draw which beats their previous record by Louis van Gaal’s 1997-98 side.
The Catalan club also gained a boost when second-placed Atletico Madrid suffered their first defeat of the season as Valencia won 2-0, leaving Barca three points clear.
Madrid’s defensive problems eased with the return of Alvaro Arbeloa who came in on the left of defence with Marcelo and Fabio Coentrao both still injured. It freed up Michael Essien to move back into midfield where Madrid were without Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira, suspended and injured respectively.
Zaragoza made it difficult for Madrid with their organisation. Madrid got their opening breakthrough out of the blue from a corner.
Raul Albiol leapt to power a header which Roberto got down well to save but Higuain smashed in the rebound.
Di Maria then had an effort from a tight angle saved by the keeper but he then cracked in the rebound.
Essien and Modric added gloss to the result with goals in the 88th and 91st minutes.
Earlier, Adriano Correia put Barca ahead against Celta after 21 minutes and while Mario Bermejo momentarily brought the visitors level minutes later, David Villa quickly restored the lead while Jordi Alba secured the win in the second half.
Ahead of the game Lionel Messi showed off his Golden Boot trophy which he was presented this week after scoring 73 goals last season, while he was also the focus following the birth of his first child Thiago on Friday. (AFP)