La Liga wrap: Top three claim wins

There was no change at the top of La Liga on Sunday, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia all posting wins.

Goals from Angel Di Maria, Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo were enough for Real Madrid to secure a 3-0 victory over Sporting Gijon in their clash at El Molinon.

Argentina international Di Maria opened the scoring in the 34th minute, robbing Damian Suarez of possession down the left before cutting inside and firing a neat finish past Juan Pablo from a tight angle.

Ronaldo made it 2-0 to the visitors with 65 minutes gone, with Di Maria sliding a perfectly weighted ball through to his Portuguese team-mate, who drifted past Juan Pablo before firing into an empty net.

Sporting Gijon had midfielder Sebastian Eguren dismissed with 10 minutes remaining for a second caution and Real added a third in injury time through Brazilian Marcelo, wrapping up their 10th league win in succession and their 14th in all competitions.

Barcelona kept up the pressure on Real ahead of next Saturday’s first El Clasico of the season at the Bernabeu by thumping Levante 5-0 at Camp Nou.

Cesc Fabregas grabbed a brace before Isaac Cuenca stroked home to give the hosts a 3-0 lead at the break. Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez – with his right-footed finish the pick of the goals – completed the rout in the second half.

The result leaves Pep Guardiola’s men three points behind Real, who have a game in hand over their fierce rivals, while Levante remain in fourth spot.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Valencia stayed in touch with the top two after being forced to work hard for their 2-1 home win over Espanyol.

Roberto Soldado came off the substitutes bench to score with 10 minutes remaining for Valencia, securing victory in a spiteful affair that saw 10 bookings.

Tino Costa fired Valencia ahead from the penalty spot early on, but Hector Moreno deservedly levelled the match midway through the second-half.

Soldado’s late glancing header kept Valencia seven points behind Real.

Racing Santander had a first-half goal from Christian Stuani to thank for their 1-0 win over Villarreal.

It was just Racing’s second win of the season, and was achieved with caretaker boss Juanjo Gonzalez at the helm after Wednesday’s sacking of Hector Cuper, following their disappointing start to the campaign.