MADRID, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- La Liga heads into the first international break of the season with FC Barcelona top of the table after seven straight wins, while Atletico Madrid's derby victory left Real Madrid six points behind the leader.
Here are the four things we learned this weekend in Spain.
1. Raphinha, Yamal lead Barcelona charge
It has been an outstanding week for FC Barcelona, with a 7-2 home win over Racing Santander followed by a 3-1 victory away to Sevilla.
Raphinha scored hat-tricks in both matches, underlining his importance as Hansi Flick continues to use him in a more central role.
The Brazilian continues to show how complete a player he is, while Lamine Yamal provides creativity and unpredictability on the right.
Yamal did not score on Saturday but provided clever assists for two of Raphinha's goals and was a constant threat throughout the match.
2. Controversy, tension at the Metropolitano
Atletico won the Madrid derby 2-1 at home to Real to move second in the standings after a typically heated encounter.
Real Madrid can feel unfortunate that Atletico midfielder Lee Kang-in escaped a red card in the first half for a bad challenge on Federico Valverde, but can have few complaints about Dean Huijsen's dismissal after bringing down Giuliano Simeone for the penalty that changed the game.
One positive for Real Madrid was the performance of record signing Yan Diomande, whose pace and dribbling caused Atletico problems in the closing stages.
3. Things starting to click for Inigo Perez
Inigo Perez endured a difficult start as Villarreal coach, failing to win until a 3-1 victory in Malaga in midweek.
Villarreal showed signs of adapting to his high-energy, high-pressing style in that match, and followed it up with a 3-1 home win over Levante on Sunday.
Villarreal looked quicker, more energetic and more effective in attack, with Alberto Moleiro underlining his importance with a goal and an impressive all-round display.
4. Time for a rethink at Racing
It has been a difficult week for Racing Santander, with a 7-2 defeat at Camp Nou followed by a 5-0 loss away to Celta Vigo.
While the defeat to Barcelona can partly be explained by coach Jose Alberto Lopez making wholesale changes to his usual starting lineup, Saturday's result is more concerning as he fielded what should be his strongest side.
Racing was promoted as second-division champion last season, but the step-up has been demanding. It has conceded 21 goals in seven matches while scoring 11. ■