Real Madrid took a temporary five-poit lead at La Liga's summit on Sunday after Gareth Bale's two goals aided Los Blancos in clinching a 3-0 win against top-flight new boys Leganes at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Barcelona have the opportunity to claw back within two points of the leaders later on Sunday when they travel to fourth-placed Sevilla, although manager Jorge Sampaoli's home side pose a stiff task at present.
Elsewhere, Villarreal moved up to third in the table after defeating Real Betis 2-0 at El Madrigal, and Celta Vigo returned from a goal down to beat Valencia 2-1 on home turf.