Europa League holders Sevilla's terrible start to their La Liga season continued as Celta Vigo climbed into third place with a 2-1 win at the Sanchez Pizjuan on Sunday.

Villarreal moved into second, ahead of Celta on goal difference, with a convincing 3-1 win over a depleted Athletic Bilbao.

Celta's bright start to the campaign had been aided by their three previous opponents having a man sent-off early on, but they needed no such help in Andalusia as a brilliant first-half display put them on course for victory.

Nolito added to his burgeoning reputation as one of Spain's top strikers with a sweet finish from a narrow angle to open the scoring before Daniel Wass pounced on some shambolic Sevilla defending to fire in the second.

Fernando Llorente was introduced at half-time by Sevilla boss Unai Emery and made a quick impact by nodding home his first goal for the club nine minutes into the second period.

Yet, for all their dominance in the final half hour, Sevilla couldn't find an equaliser as they remain on just two points after four games.

Athletic are only one point better off as they have struggled to overcome the hangover of their Spanish Super Cup success over Barcelona to start the campaign.

By contrast, Villarreal are flying high as they scored three goals for the third consecutive game thanks to a penalty from Bruno and fine strikes from Mario Gaspar and Leo Baptistao before Aritz Aduriz scored a consolation for the visitors in stoppage time.

Sporting Gijon claimed their first victory since returning to the top flight with a 3-2 win in a thrilling encounter away at Deportivo la Coruna.

Antonio Sarabia struck twice in the opening seven minutes for Sporting before Juanfran and Luis Alberto brought Deportivo level before the half hour mark.

However, the visitors got the winner in an open first-half through Alex Menendez to move into the top half of the table.