Barça blitz Gijón to deliver first win

Josep Guardiola picked up his first league win as FC Barcelona coach in emphatic fashion as his side defeated Sporting Gijón 6-1 away from home while there were also Liga victories for Real Madrid CF and Villarreal CF.

Six of the best
Barça took a two-goal lead into the break after Xavi Hernández (27) and Samuel Eto'o (33) scored, both with headers. An own goal from Jorge five minutes after half-time extended the lead but Francisco Maldonado immediately replied for the home side. However, Andrés Iniesta added a fourth and Lionel Messi netted twice late on.

Second-half double
Madrid won 2-0 taking the lead in the 54th minute when Gonzalo Higuaín led a fast counterattack before off-loading to the unmarked Rubén De la Red who toe-poked into the right-hand corner from ten metres out. Ruud van Nistelrooy then secured the win with 16 minutes remaining, cutting inside before firing in a shot that beat home goalkeeper Toño at his near post.

League leaders
Valencia CF won 1-0 against CA Osasuna, who had César Azpilicueta sent off in the second half, thanks to an 83rd-minute strike from Juan Mata to join a collection of four clubs at the top of the table with seven points from three games. One of those teams, UEFA Champions League contenders Villarreal, were also victorious, winning 2-1 at CD Numancia despite falling behind to a Gorka Brit goal a minute before half-time. Santi Cazorla replied just after the break and Joseba Llorente gave the visitors all three points 16 minutes from time.

Red cards
UD Almería defeated Malaga CF 1-0 thanks to a goal 15 minutes from time by Álvaro Negredo in a game where each side had a man dismissed late on. Athletic Club Bilbao also won at home, beating Real Valladolid CF 2-0 at San Mamés. RC Deportivo La Coruña and RCD Mallorca played out a goalless draw, the away side's David Navarro receiving a red card 15 minutes from time while the Seville derby produced the same result. Juanito went closest for Real Betis Balompié in the second half.