Real Madrid have taken the lead in the Primera Division at least until Sunday evening.
Also thanks to a goal by the former German national soccer player Toni Kroos and an assist from ex-Bayern professional David Alaba, the royal team won 2-1 against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday evening.
Kroos (14th minute) and Karim Benzema after a nice pass from Alaba (38th) scored for the hosts.
For Vallecano, the 35-year-old Colombian Radamel Falcao scored the next goal (77th).
With 27 points, Real Madrid are now in first place ahead of Real Sociedad San Sebastian (25) and Sevilla FC (24).
FC Barcelona, on the other hand, gave up a possible away win without their new coach Xavi despite a 3-0 lead.
After a strong first half, the 26-time Spanish champions only scored 3: 3 (3: 0) at Celta Vigo.
Ansu Fati (5th), Sergio Busquets (18th) and Memphis Depay (34th) provided with their goals an actually comfortable lead at the break.
In the second half, under interim coach Sergi Barjuan Esclusa, the Catalans conceded goals from Iago Aspas (52nd) and Nolito (74th), before Aspas (90th + 6th) snatched the believed victory from Barcelona with his second goal.
Ansu Fati and Eric Garcia had to be replaced injured at Barça in the second half.