No one thought anyone team was ever going to run away with the championship, so it should not be a surprise that the race for the La Liga title got nothing but tighter after all 20 teams played twice this week. 

Real Madrid still hold on to a slim lead after being held to just one point in each of their matches this week, a draw at home to Villarreal and then another Saturday on the road in Gran Canaria against Las Palmas. The newly promoted Las Palmas were able to pull even at two in the 85th minute thanks to a goal by 24-year-old Argentinan striker Sergio Araujo. Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema scored for Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo went scoreless again Saturday, and was taken off with 18 minutes left to go, looking none too pleased. Their two consecutive draws comes after 16 straight domestic wins spanning back to last season.

Despite being new to the top flight this year, Las Palmas has been holding their own, in seventh place after six matches. They are one point back from a Europa League spot, with Sevilla sitting in fifth.

Barcelona romped to a comfortable 5-0 victory over Sporting Gijon despite Leo Messi's absence due to an adductor injury that is expected to keep him out for at least three weeks. Nonetheless Neymar and Rafinha stepped up and in quite nicely for him. 

Neymar notched a brace alongside goals from Rafinha, Luis Suarez and Arda Turan to pull two points closer to Real in second place. The Catalans are in sol possession of second place 

Barcelona's mid-week opponent Atlético Madrid also earned three points over the weekend, albeit without the same ease. Playing at home against 10-men notwithstanding, Diego Simeone's squad were made to work hard for a 1-0 win over Deportivo La Coruña.

Antoine Griezmann nailed home the lone goal off a cross from fellow Frenchman Kevin Gameiro with about 20 minutes left to play, which proved to be all that was needed.

Other than the big three clubs, Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao have introduced themselves into the race, each with 12 points and only two points behind leaders Real Madrid. 

Villarreal followed up their tie on the road with three points via a 3-1 win over Osasuna on their home turf. 

Bilbao also notched a 3-1 win of their own over Sevilla at their San Mames stadium. Left-back Mikel Balenziaga will remember the win more than anyone else most likely, as he scored his first goal in his 10-year career.

"It happened very quickly and I had to watch it on the TV to remember it," he told Spanish sports daily AS.

Judging by the early returns in Spain this season, we should all be watching more on TV.

Photo: Flickr/ Chris Dehr