La Liga wrap: Surprise-packets Levante win again

Levante’s dynamic start to the season continued on Sunday, as they defeated Villarreal 3-0 to replace Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.

One of only three teams yet to lose in 2011/12, Levante recorded their fifth victory in succession at El Madrigal.

A first-half brace from Juanlu and Arouna Kone’s 57th-minute strike sealed all three points for the high-flying visitors.

The contrast with Villarreal’s form could not be sharper; Juan Carlos Garrido’s side are now without a victory from their last five outings in all competitions, and sit 16th in the La Liga table, two points outside the relegation zone.

In other matches, Valencia needed an 89th-minute equaliser from Roberto Soldado to salvage a 1-1 draw at home to Athletic Bilbao, who had led through Muniain’s second-half strike.

Raul Garcia, Juan Francisco Martinez and Javad Nekounam all netted in the first 30 minutes as Osasuna cruised to a 3-0 win over Real Zaragoza.

Mallorca led from the second minute of their match away to Atletico Madrid courtesy of Tomer Hemed’s penalty.

But Atletico ensured the match would finish 1-1 after Colombia striker Radamel Falcao Garcia levelled, also with a spot-kick, two minutes before half-time.

Rayo Vallecano left it late away to fellow promoted club Real Betis, with a goal from Lass and Sergio Koke’s penalty coming in the last 10 minutes to seal a 2-0 win.

Finally, Getafe earned a point with a 0-0 draw away to fellow strugglers Real Sociedad.