Madrid leave it late, Barça ride high

Cristiano Ronaldo scored an added-time winner as Real Madrid CF twice came from behind to win 3-2 at Levante UD, while FC Barcelona recorded an eighth successive win, 4-1 at home against Real Valladolid CF.

Carlo Ancelotti's charges were four minutes from defeat after Nabil El Zhar had crashed the ball past Iker Casillas to put the hosts 2-1 up. They had opened the scoring too, Baba Diawara finishing off an excellent counterattacking move on 57 minutes before Sergio Ramos restored parity.

The home fans were first silenced by young striker Álvaro Morata's calm finish in a crowded area in the last minute, and then were left shaking their heads in disbelief after Ronaldo found the net with the last kick of the game, his deflected angled drive bouncing in off the post.

Meanwhile, five points ahead of Madrid, Liga leaders Barcelona are closing in on Los Merengues' nine-win record start to a league campaign set 45 years ago. Like Madrid, Barça fell behind as Javi Guerra headed an opener for Valladolid, but two goals from Alexis Sánchez – the first a stunner – were added to by Xavi Hernández and Neymar in a comfortable 4-1 win.

Earlier, Jonathan Viera's last-minute penalty secured a rare win for Rayo Vallecano de Madrid, 1-0 at home against Real Socieded de Fútbol, while Coro hit two as Elche CF downed RCD Espanyol 2-1.