Villarreal hit rock bottom at Xerez

Xerez CD came from behind to beat Villarreal CF 2-1, leaving the Yellow Submarine anchored to the foot of the Liga and now the only side without a win, with Club Atlético de Madrid also losing again.

Goal drought
Villarreal have finished in the top five in each of the past three seasons but Ernesto Valverde's side sunk to a new low against a side who had only scored one goal in six winless outings since their promotion and propped up the standings prior to Sunday's game at the Chapín. Xerez's harsh introduction to the top flight showed no signs of easing when Robert Pirès gave the visitors an 18th-minute lead but Mario Bermejo levelled just before the break. The UEFA Europa League hopefuls' downturn was completed by substitute Antoñito ten minutes from time with Gonzalo's late sending off adding further gloom.

Pandiani brace
Atlético's slump also continued as they crashed 3-0 at CA Osasuna. Walter Pandiani struck twice and Carlos Aranda added a third inside half an hour to haul Los Rojillos into the top half. RCD Mallorca continued their productive start with the prolific Aritz Aduriz scoring twice in a 3-1 win against Getafe CF that lifted the Barralets into fifth.

Málaga worries
Real Sporting de Gijón and Athletic Club Bilbao continue to move in opposite directions as a Miguel de las Cuevas double gave the visitors consecutive wins while the home side have now taken just a point from four games after the 2-1 setback. Málaga CF are now directly above Villarreal following their 2-1 defeat at home by UD Almería while the other matches saw RCD Espanyol edge CD Tenerife 2-1 and Real Zaragoza versus Real Racing Club Santander end 2-2.