Albacete, Malaga notch first wins of the season

Albacete claimed their first points since returning to the Primera Liga with a 2-0 win over Real Mallorca at the Carlos Belmonte stadium on Sunday.

A well-struck free kick from midfielder Libero Parri in the first half and a powerful header from striker Mikel late on in the second hauled Cesar Ferrando's side off the bottom of the table and ended their wretched run of form since promotion to the top flight.

Malaga also gained their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory away to Espanyol, the goals coming from Uruguayan midfielder Marcelo Romero and recent signing Salva Ballesta.

Espanyol, who have yet to win a game, now replace Albacete at the foot of the table.

Villarreal continued their impressive start to the season with a 2-0 win away to Racing Santander, a result that moved them up to fifth place.

Valencia are the new leaders thanks to their confident 2-0 win over a disappointing Real Madrid at the Mestalla on Saturday.

An early goal from Mista and a second-half strike from Brazilian forward Ricardo Oliveira gave Rafa Benitez's side a thoroughly deserved triumph over last season's champions.

Former leaders Deportivo Coruna lost their 100 percent record on Saturday after they slumped to a surprise 3-2 defeat at Osasuna, shipping three goals in nightmare four-minute spell in the first half.

Valencia lead the standings on 13 points, one ahead of Deportivo and three ahead of Real, who are level on points with Osasuna, who are usually to be found at the other end of the table.

Eighth-placed Barcelona have the chance to make up ground on the leaders when they play Atletico Madrid later on Sunday.