MADRID, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The top four sides in La Liga all won this weekend, with Real Madrid cruising past Valencia, Villarreal putting four past Rayo Vallecano, and FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid each scoring three times. Here are four things we learned.
1. Mbappe on fire, Vinicius forgiven
Kylian Mbappe added two more goals to his season's tally as Real Madrid notched a 4-0 win at home to Valencia.
Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr was in coach Xabi Alonso's starting 11 after his complaints after being subbed out against FC Barcelona, which implies he has been forgiven for his behavior.
However, the look on Alonso's face when Vinicius missed a penalty implies that the forward will continue to be a focus of attention.
2. Barcelona happy with Yamal's scoring
Lamine Yamal is clearly not as fit as he was last season, with the toll of continued action being a factor for the pelvic issue that is limiting his contributions. However, the 18-year-old scored a typical left-footed goal to open the scoring as Barcelona claimed a 3-1 win at home to Elche following its Clasico defeat.
Marcus Rashford was also on target as he continues to adapt to life at Barcelona, while coach Hansi Flick will be happy to have Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski both available again to add to his options in the busy week ahead.
3. Villarreal, Atletico keep up pace
Atletico Madrid made hard work of a well-organized Sevilla on Saturday, before a wild challenge on Jose Gimenez gifted Julian Alvarez the chance to open the scoring, and Diego Simeone's men scored twice more as they continue to recover from a poor start to the season.
Alvarez is vital to Atletico, while Giuliano Simeone is also an underrated asset, combining talent with an unrelenting work ethic that keeps his side buzzing.
Rayo Vallecano traveled to Villarreal in fine form after three wins but was dispatched with ease by Marcelino Garcia Toral's side, which can combine Gerard Moreno's instincts with the pace of Ayoze Perez, Nicolas Pepe, Tajon Buchanan and Alberto Moleiro.
4. Athletic Club facing challenges
An injury time goal gave Real Sociedad a 3-2 win over Athletic Club in the Basque derby to set alarm bells ringing in Bilbao.
Last season Athletic lost just six games all campaign to finish fourth, but the Bilbao side has already lost five matches this season.
Although Benat Prados and Yeray Alvarez have suffered long-term injuries, the rest of the squad is virtually the same as last season, but hardly anyone is playing at the same level and many look tired, meaning that coach Ernesto Valverde needs to find answers soon. ■
