A Giuseppe Rossi strike helped Villarreal to their first win of the La Liga season on Tuesday as they beat Mallorca 2-0 and finally clicking into gear after a disappointing start to the season.
Villarreal had only picked up one point ahead of the game and were beaten at home by Bayern Munich in the Champions League but they responded against Mallorca with a far more assured display.
Nilmar burst through on goal in the first minute but he over-ran the ball and then minutes later Rossi was a lot more clinical as he slipped the ball over the keeper Dudu Aouate to give the home side the lead.
Villarreal were in charge and Mallorca were defending deeply. Ruben Cani had a shot saved by Aouate before half time and then after the break Nilmar did find the back of the net after being set up by Borja Valero.
Earlier Sevilla missed the chance to take provisional top spot but nevertheless maintained their unbeaten run as they hung on for a 0-0 draw at Osasuna.
The hosts had plenty to prove after their 8-0 thrashing by Barcelona at the weekend and attacked from the outset with Roland Lamah in particular causing plenty of problems for Sevilla who have their sights on a Champions League place this season.
Osasuna were torn apart at the Nou Camp on Saturday night and while this was a very different display they got no reward for their impressive attacking display.
Juan Nino had excellent chances in both halves while Sevilla also survived a penalty claim when Diego Perotti appeared to handle the ball in the area.
Sevilla though could have stolen the points when Jesus Navas was denied from point blank range by keeper Andres Fernandez mid-way through the second half.
Sevilla move up to third with eight points from four games, one point behind leaders Valencia and Real Betis.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, move up to fifth after beating Granada 1-0 in slightly fortuitous circumstances with a Daniel Estrada cross catching out the Granada keeper Roberto Fernandez who had come off his line.
Reigning domestic and European champions Barcelona face Valencia, who have won their three opening matches, and meet in Wednesday's top of the table clash.
Real Betis are another side with a 100 percent record and they meet Zaragoza while Real Madrid, who dropped their first points at the weekend with a surprise 1-0 defeat away to Levante, travel to Racing Santander.
Source: AFP
