Pedro Rodriguez scored a hat-trick as Barcelona maintained their 100 per cent start to the La Liga season with a comfortable 4-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The Spanish international rewarded the visitors’ bright start when he slotted from after some brilliant play by Lionel Messi on the half hour mark.
However, just as in recent weeks, Barca were thankful to goalkeeper Victor Valdes for keeping them in front as he saved his second penalty in as many games.
Atletico Madrid also maintained their 100 percent record so far this season as second-half goals from Raul Garcia and Diego Costa handed them a well-deserved 2-0 win away to Valladolid.
Almeria kept up their record of having scored and conceded at least twice in every game since their return to the top-flight with a 2-2 draw at home to Levante.