Real Madrid conceded more early ground in the Primera Division title race as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Racing Santander.
Winger Oscar Serrano came close to making it two successive defeats for Jose Mourinho's side. A 1-0 weekend defeat by Levante was almost matched with Serrano's shot which forced Iker Casillas into the best save of the match.
Maria Callejon just failed to get a touch despite lunging at a ball from Marcelo, while Cristiano Ronaldo skewed a volley wide from a difficult angle and then the same player's cross was headed straight at Antonio Tono by Callejon.
Serrano brought the game to life four minutes into the second half with a left-foot shot which Casillas dived low to his left to turn around the post.
Gonzalo Higuain then had a shot after cutting in from the right but Tono tipped the effort over.
Then at the death Serrano had the chance to take all three points but Casillas came to the rescue.
Barcelona twice fought back from a goal down to earn a 2-2 draw from their trip to league leaders Valencia in an enthralling showdown at the Mestalla.
Valencia went ahead through an own goal from Eric Abidal early on and, after Barca had immediately drawn level through Pedro, Unai Emery's men regained the lead through Pablo Hernandez in the 23rd minute.
Barca got themselves back on terms 13 minutes from time through Cesc Fabregas though to ensure the reigning champions remain unbeaten and in the process ended Valencia's perfect start to the campaign.
Valencia lost defender Jordi Alba to a late red card.
Santi Cazorla's stunning free-kick gave Malaga a 1-0 victory, their third in a row, in a tight encounter with Athletic Bilbao.
The Spain international beautifully curled the ball into the top corner on the hour mark to take his tally to four goals in four Primera Division games following his summer move from Villarreal.
Athletic, who have now lost their last three league games, once again enjoyed plenty of possession but lacked cutting edge up front and the hosts should have extended their lead but Eliseu shot into the side-netting after a wonderful run had presented him with an open goal.
Levante continued their great start to the season with a 2-1 win at previously unbeaten Rayo Vallecano.
The visitors' confidence had clearly been boosted by their weekend victory over Real Madrid and they took a 2-0 lead into half-time thanks to headers from Valdo and Sergio Ballesteros.
Rayo improved after the break and Raul Tamudo got his first goal for the club, scoring at the second attempt after his penalty was saved by Gustavo Munua, but hopes of a comeback were shattered when Botelho was shown a straight red card 13 minutes from time.
Radamel Falcao continued his amazing start to life in Spain with two more goals as Atletico Madrid cruised past Sporting Gijon 4-0 at the Vicente Calderon.
The Colombian, who scored a hat-trick at the weekend, was heavily involved in the first goal as his shot was turned into his own net by Alberto Lora.
Alvaro Dominguez headed home the second before Falcao turned the Sporting defence one way then another and curled a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 3-0.
The former Porto striker, who cost Atletico an initial €40 million this summer, then sealed the win with a trademark header from Gabi's free-kick.
By Soccernet Review
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