3. Atletico still right in there
This has not been a straightforward start to the season for Atletico Madrid. Opening with draws against newly promoted Alaves and Leganes immediately set them off the pace, while the 1-1 at the Camp Nou midweek was seen as a chance missed by some after Barcelona had been shocked by Messi's absence.
There were also setbacks in Sunday's battle with Deportivo La Coruna at the Estadio Vicente Calderon. A scrappy first half saw both Augusto Fernandez and Jose Maria Gimenez leave injured, and even against 10 men, Diego Simeone's side were still at 0-0 with 20 minutes remaining.
But Antoine Griezmann knocked home Kevin Gameiro's cross, and Simeone's side took the three points that move them up to third in the table. It's not been easy for Atletico so far this season, but they are now just two points off leaders Madrid, and one behind Barca.
4. Voro steadying Valencia in the short term
Valencia rode their luck at times during their 2-1 win at Leganes on Sunday. Goalkeeper Diego Alves saving a record 17th La Liga penalty (from 35 faced) to ensure the three points, after summer signing Nani had helped turn the game around with a controversial goal and excellent assist.
Los Che were value for their win, though, showing an organisation and backbone that has not often been present during recent times. Two victories in four days means that the club's caretaker coach Voro has now won six of eight La Liga games during his four different spells as interim boss. To put that into context, Gary Neville won three of his 16 games in charge, then Pako Ayestaran just three of his 12 in the Primera Division.
Despite this record, the 52-year-old Valencia native still maintains that he will soon step aside and return to his long-term job as the club's matchday delegate. A new full-time coach is likely to be in charge for Atletico's visit to Mestalla next Sunday. Voro will step back again, until he is needed the next time.
5. Sirigu loses his head
Athletic Bilbao at home to Sevilla on Saturday was perhaps the weekend's standout game. Athletic went ahead early through Mikel San Jose. Sevilla midfielder Samir Nasri equalised opportunistically. Home left-back Mikel Balenziaga put his side back ahead with a super solo effort.
Twenty-eight-year-old defender Balenziaga's first goal in 161 La Liga career appearances was set to be the game's most surprising moment, until 88 minutes gone, with the visitors pressing for 2-2. A long ball from the back was claimed by Sevilla keeper Salvatore Sirigu, who was challenged innocuously enough by Aritz Aduriz. Sirigu reacted (while still holding the ball) by driving an elbow into the striker's back and was deservedly sent off. Aduriz got to convert the penalty past midfielder Vicente Iborra, who got to stand between the posts.
Athletic have now won four in a row in La Liga and are up into joint third (with Atletico) in the table. Ernesto Valverde's side are a match for anyone at San Mames, especially when given a helping hand. Or elbow.