Real Madrid made it four of out four with a 2-0 win over Espanyol while Barcelona thrashed Leganes 5-1 in week four’s La Liga action.

The win, which came in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, was Real’s 16th league win in a row, breaking a club record which has stood since the 1960-61 season.

Los Blancos took the lead through Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez who lashed home a shot from outside the area after a fine solo run before Karim Benzema made it two with a tap-in.

The win ensures Zinedine Zidane’s side remain top of the table, three points clear of rivals Barcelona.

The Catalan giants responded to their shock 2-1 defeat against Alaves in style as Lionel Messi scored a brace and added an assist in the 5-1 win over Leganes.

Messi scored in the 15th minute after Luis Suarez opened up the defence. Messi repaid the favour just over the half hour mark as Suarez tapped home. Neymar, the third part of Barcelona’s brilliant trident, made it three just before the break with Suarez drawing the keeper and laying it off to his Brazilian teammate, who made no mistake with the goalkeeper out of the equation.

Ten minutes into the second half, Messi blasted home a penalty after Paco Alcacer was brought down before Rafinha curled home his side’s fifth. Gabriel scored a consolation goal for Leganes with a brilliantly placed free kick.

WATCH: Barcelona respond to defeat with 5-1 thrashing of Leganes