The world's most expensive player Gareth Bale started and indeed scored on his Real Madrid debut this weekend, but it was not enough to hand his side all three points against an impressive Villarreal outfit on week four in La Liga.
Saturday's action began in the Spanish capital as Atletico Madrid continued their 100% start to the season with a 4-2 win over Almeria, before Real Sociedad played out an uneventful 0-0 draw with Levante.
Barcelona needed a late strike from Alexis Sanchez to pick up all three points against Sevilla, who had come from 2-0 down to draw level in the final minute, before Villarreal continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-2 draw with Real Madrid.
Espanyol continued their positive start to the season with a 1-0 win over Granada in the opening match on Sunday, before Osasuna suffered their fourth straight loss with a 2-1 defeat at Getafe.
Malaga were also looking for their first win of the season when they welcomed Rayo Vallecano, but they moved into 10th position in the table with a comprehensive 5-0 win, before an eventful clash between Real Betis and Valencia saw the Seville outfit pick up all the points in a 3-1 win.
Monday's action began in disappointment as Elche and Real Valladolid played out a drab goalless draw, but the best was saved until last when Athletic Bilbao made it nine points from four games with a 3-2 win over Celta Vigo.
Here, Sports Mole picks its 11 star performers in Spain following another pulsating week of La Liga action.
Diego Lopez (Real Madrid)
When a team takes points off Real Madrid as Villarreal did this weekend, it is usually down to a strong performance from their own goalkeeper. However, that was not the case on Saturday evening. But for the heroics of Lopez, who was forced to make a number of impressive saves throughout the 90 minutes, Bale's debut would have ended in defeat.
Paulao (Real Betis)
It has been a difficult start to the season for Betis, but they returned to form with a 3-1 win over Valencia on Sunday evening. They bossed the first period, but did come under pressure for long spells in the second. They managed to hold onto the victory, however, largely down to the performance of Paulao, who was a rock at the heart of their defence.
Cala (Sevilla)
Defenders tend not to make this team when they have been part of a side that has conceded three times, but Cala was hugely impressive in his Sevilla's 3-2 defeat to Barcelona at the weekend. The 23-year-old kept Lionel Messi under wraps for long periods, while he was on hand with a number of sensational blocks in the second half.
Vitorino Antunes (Malaga)
Mounir El Hamdaoui might have gained the plaudits in Malaga's 5-0 win over Rayo on Sunday, but Antunes must be credited for an assured performance. The 26-year-old did not spend much of the 90 minutes in defensive areas, rather demonstrating his incredible attacking prowess. It was a complete performance from the left-back.
Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla)
Rakitic popped up with his side's opener in their 3-2 defeat to Barcelona on Saturday, but he had already made his mark with an impressive performance in the middle of the park. It is not too difficult to see why the 25-year-old is so highly-rated and he offered another demonstration of his talents with a box-to-box display at the Camp Nou.
Cani (Villarreal)
Saturday's clash between Real Madrid and Villarreal might have been all about Bale, but Cani was the name on everyone's lips come the end of the evening. He has been a regular fixture in this team thus far, but it is difficult to leave him out with the way that he is performing. He opened the scoring against Carlo Ancelotti's side, while he was directly involved in their equaliser.
Salva Sevilla (Real Betis)
Deployed in a more advanced position against Valencia at the weekend, Sevilla scored twice in their 3-1 win. Not only were both of his goals tucked away expertly, he was a constant threat to the Valencia defence throughout his 84 minutes on the field. It was arguably his best performance in a Betis shirt.
Benat (Athletic Bilbao)
A wonderful free kick from the Spaniard allowed Mikel San Jose to level in Monday's 3-2 win over Celta Vigo, before he scored their third with a cool finish 20 minutes from time. It is no surprise that Bilbao's performances have improved this season with the 26-year-old at the heart of the team.
Neymar (Barcelona)
It has taken the Brazilian a little bit of time to play his way into the Barcelona team, but he is now a full member of the starting XI. He did not score in Saturday's 3-2 win over Sevilla, but a wonderful piece of skill from the forward presented Lionel Messi with the chance to score their second. He was a constant threat with his pace and movement in the final third.
Miku (Getafe)
Getafe's clash with Osasuna on Sunday was described as a six-pointer with both sides without a win entering the match. It was the away side that took the lead, but a brace from Miku secured all three points for Getafe. The 28-year-old spent a period on loan at Celtic last season, but he is expected to play a key role for the Spanish club this time around.
Mounir El Hamdaoui (Malaga)
The 29-year-old, who joined Malaga on loan from Fiorentina in the summer, had to be patient in the early part of the season as he waited for his chance. That opportunity came in Sunday's clash with Rayo Vallecano and it could be said that the Moroccan took it as he scored three times in their 5-0 win.
