Real Madrid respond to Barcelona and Atlético Madrid
Sevilla beat Leganés, Messi returns as Barcelona score four
A cracking Saturday's play, with 24 strikes in four games. Goals galore in each clash, and wins for the four at the top. Kicking off the day were Sevilla, who were yet to convince many of their fans but have set about clambering into the leading spots, and triumphed 3-2 at Leganés in a thrilling matinee. Next were Barcelona, who (as was to be expected) took care of Deportivo. They hit four, the last of which was scored by a Leo Messi who's most certainly back fit: on after half time, he netted right away and proceeded to dictate the game in his customary fashion. Depor keeper Germán Lux was ropey in the first 45, but avoided a greater thumping in the second.
Atlético Madrid wallop Granada for seven
Straight after that came Atlético. Diego Simeone has taken another step forward in the evolution of his team, amassing a higher ratio of attack-minded players with ability on the ball than ever before. And he reaped the rewards. Though Granada went ahead through a stunner from Isaac Cuenca, Yannick Carrasco showed the way and the rest followed. This seven-goal haul could be a before-and-after moment. Simeone's signings have for a while betrayed a desire to swap his side's steely style for a more offensive, attractive brand of play. Or at least alternate between them. This experience can only encourage him. The Calderón was in raptures.
Real Madrid follow suit with Betis thrashing
Fresh on the back of those results - and their four draws - Real Madrid faced a testing trip to Real Betis which, in the end, was anything but. This Betis side is poorly set up: far too easily breached at the back, they've given up more shots on goal than any other LaLiga club. A Madrid team with the bit between their teeth quickly found the gaps and were 4-0 up by half time. After the break, Betis had ten good minutes - but that was their lot. Isco (with a delightful effort) and Cristiano Ronaldo completed the rout as Real buried the pessimism of their run of stalemates and came away once more smiling under Zinedine Zidane.
