Valencia President Amadeo Salvo on money woes, selling Soldado and having faith in Miroslav Djukic.
Real Betis beat high-flying Villarreal, Levante piled pressure on Osasuna and there were wins for Elche and Getafe.
Elche clinched their first Primera Division victory in almost a quarter of a century after beating Celta Vigo 1-0.
Getafe leapfrogged their opponents as they beat Celta Vigo 2-0 in the Primera Division on Thursday night.
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has warned their rivals his men are just getting going after five straight La Liga wins.
Villarreal remained unbeaten on their return to the Primera Division after playing out a goalless draw with Celta Vigo.
Athletic Bilbao began life at the San Mames Barria stadium on the right note with a hard fought 3-2 victory over Celta Vigo.
Bruno Soriano is relishing Villarreal's Primera Liga clash with Real Madrid - and possibly Gareth Bale.
Guillem Balague explains why Neymar will have more impact on La Liga than Gareth Bale this season.
Will the arrival of Bale and exit of Ozil affect Real's midfield balance? Guillem reflects on the big deals...
Real Madrid and Barcelona put their 100 per cent starts to the Primera Division season on the line at the weekend
Second-half goals from Charles and Nolito ensured 10-man Celta Vigo claimed a 2-1 win at battling Real Betis.
Brazilian full-back Adriano was the unlikely matchwinner with a wonder-strike as Barcelona beat Malaga 1-0 in La Liga.
Barcelona may have to do without star man Lionel Messi this weekend because of injury.
Celta Vigo let a two-goal lead slip in a 2-2 draw with Espanyol in their Primera Division opener on Monday night.
Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa and Betis youngster Cedric... David Phillips looks at the La Liga stories.
Espanyol came from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Celta Vigo in La Liga on Monday night.
Ten clubs will have new managers in charge when the Spanish Primera Division gets underway this weekend.
Celta Vigo have signed midfielder Rafinha on a season-long loan deal from La Liga champions Barcelona.