Madrid  - Barcelona went back on top of La Liga on Saturday with a difficult 1-0 home defeat of valiant Almeria.

It was Barca's poorest performance so far, but they maintain their 100 per cent record, having won their first six matches.

Josep Guardiola's side have 18 points now, three more than Real Madrid, who are away to third-placed Sevilla on Sunday.

The only goal in the Camp Nou was scored by Pedro Dominguez, in the 31st minute. The little winger took a pass from Maxwell in the penalty area, spun round and scored with a surprising right-foot drive.

Pedro had earlier hit the Almeria post, after good work by Zlatan Ibrahimovic down the right.

Barca looked tired mentally and physically in the second half, and resilient Almeria came close to equalizing three times. The final whistle was greeted with unusual relief by the Camp Nou.

Earlier on Saturday, Deportivo Coruna moved up to joint third with a tight 1-0 win away to Tenerife.

The only goal came in the 61st minute. Jose Guardado swung over a corner, Alberto Lopez headed on - and fellow defender Diego Colotto headed home.

Tenerife, who returned to the top flight in August after seven years' absence, battled for an equalizer but lacked the craft to breach a well-drilled Deportivo defence.

"We played a very serious game," said Lopo, "and made things very difficult for them."

Deportivo are now level on 12 points with Sevilla.

In Saturday's late game, crisis team Atletico Madrid will face Zaragoza.  dpa