Barca spark into life

Barcelona finally showed signs they could be a force again this season with a 3-1 victory at Mallorca.

Javier Saviola and Ronaldinho gave the Catalans a 2-0 half-time lead and Philip Cocu added another before Fernando Correa netted a consolation goal for Mallorca.

Barca's city rivals Espanyol lost 4-0 at home to Celta Vigo while Osasuna's impressive five-match unbeaten run came to an end with a 1-0 defeat against Real Sociedad.

Real Betis came from behind to claim a hard-fought 3-2 victory over struggling Albacete, while Atletico Madrid beat Murcia 3-1 and Real Valladolid were 2-0 victors against Athletic Bilbao.

Sevilla led three times but were eventually held to a 3-3 draw at Villarreal.