Valencia continued their impressive start to the season with a 2-1 home win over Athletic Bilbao. Goals from Aduriz and Vicente, with what turned out to be a crucial late second, were enough to clinch all three points and despite Gabilondo’s response within two minutes of Aduriz’s injury time strike Los Che retained their lead at the head of La Liga. The win will have cushioned the blow of the late loss in midweek to UEFA Champions League Group C opponents Manchester United.

Villarreal remained in second place prior to their Sunday game at home to Racing Santander. Brazilian striker Nilmar should once again lead the forward line with 6 goals to his name already this campaign. Barcelona and Real Madrid lie third and fourth respectively as they both seek to overcome what for them are stuttering starts to the 2010/11 season, Barce still feeling the pain from a shock 0-2 home reverse to new boys Hercules.

Real Zaragoza remain rooted to the bottom of the table with Deportivo la Coruna and Levante occupying the other relegation places in the early stages of the year.

Barcelona have reportedly offered Argentinean star Lionel Messi a further extension to his contract in a bid to detract any possible bids from other clubs. Brazilian team-mate Dani Alves has also been offered an improved additional 3 years on his deal to keep him at the club until 2015.

Atletico Madrid have also moved to secure the services of some of their stars with former Arsenal forward Jose Antonio Reyes, Czech defender Tomas Ujfalusi and Brazilian defender Paulo Assuncao all signing contract extensions.

Another man not going anywhere, yet, is Valencia full-back Miguel. “Liverpool have always been my favourite English team and I have a lot of passion for them’ said the 30-year old Portuguese defender. No doubt with the Reds current form, he is happy to remain in Spain.