Defending champions Barcelona went top of La Liga on Sunday with a laboured 1-0 win at rock-bottom Sporting Gijon while Gonzalo Higuain blasted a hat-trick in Real Madrid's 4-0 cruise at Espanyol. An injury-plagued Barcelona moved into first place with 14 points as Adriano gave them their first away win of the season.
Unfashionable Levante are tucked just behind on goal difference after a 1-0 win against Real Betis, while Real are a point further back in third spot ahead of Malaga and Valencia who also have 13 points. After draws against Real Sociedad and Valencia, Barcelona went into their game at Sporting with a lengthy injury list. Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta were among the midfielders in the treatment room while neither Carlos Puyol nor Gerard Pique started in defence. Adriano grabbed the only goal after 11 minutes, knocking in a rebound after a Xavi Hernandez shot came back off a post. Eric Abidal went off injured after the break to add to Barca's defensive worries but they never looked likely to concede.