Atletico Madrid shot to the top of La Liga after Angel Correa's goal proved the winner in an untidy 1-0 win over Real Betis on Sunday.
Atletico sat seven points behind Real Madrid and Barcelona after winning only one of their opening four league games but as their rivals have stumbled, Diego Simeone's side have sprung into form.
Even if Barca return to the summit by beating Valencia later on Sunday, this was Atleti's fifth win in six in all competitions, with their only dropped points coming in a stalemate away to Real Madrid.
Simeone can take some of the credit too for this victory at the Wanda Metropolitano, after throwing on both Correa and Thomas Partey as substitutes in the second half. Thomas provided the assist.
The contest was billed as a classic clash of styles, with Atletico's stubborn defence up against the free-flowing Real Betis, who lit up the league last season with their flurry of goals.
It is testament to the threat Betis pose that opponents have become more cautious this season and Atletico were successful here in their strategy of absorb and counter-attack.
Betis, who could also have gone top with a win, such is the scrunched nature of the top half, stay seventh.
Diego Costa was missing with a thigh injury, allowing Nikola Kalinic to make his first start since joining from AC Milan in August.
Real hit drought
Julen Lopetegui insisted it is too early to be questioning his future despite Real Madrid suffering a shock defeat by Alaves to make it four games without a victory.
It is four games without a goal too for the European champions, their longest scoring drought since 1985, as Manu Garcia headed home in the 95th minute to send the Mendizorrotza Stadium wild.
It is the first time they have beaten Madrid at home in 87 years.
Alaves fans ran onto the pitch to celebrate their stunning 1-0 win and the chants continued long after the final whistle.
For Real, this was another body blow and to make matters worse, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, their chief attacking threats, were both forced off injured. Bale had missed the Champions League loss to CSKA Moscow on Tuesday with a groin strain.
It means Barcelona can go three points clear if they win their game in hand against Valencia while Alaves' excellent start to the season continues.
Lopetegui had been asked on Friday if he felt under pressure at the club he left Spain for on the eve of the World Cup and the question was put to him again after the match here.
"It interests you but is not a question that concerns me," Lopetegui said.
"We know what the life of a coach is, especially at Real Madrid, but we also know it is October and you have to keep perspective and stay calm."
Captain Sergio Ramos was more emphatic.
"It's other people who make those decisions but it's never good to have a change of coach," he said.
"It would be crazy."
Talk of change feels premature but it will increase if Madrid fail to find fluency soon and, in particular, if Barca pull away. The Clasico at the Camp Nou looms at the end of the month.
