The pressure had been on new Barca coach Pep Guardiola following a return of just one point from their opening two games but the Catalan giants were back to their free-flowing best in Gijon.

Xavi and Samuel Eto'o gave Barca a commanding half-time advantage and an own goal from Jorge Garcia further strengthened their position.

Although Francisco Maldonado pulled one back for Sporting immediately, the hosts' task was rendered almost impossible by the sending-off of Gerard.

Barca took full advantage of their numerical advantage with Andres Iniesta and a late double from Lionel Messi sealing an impressive win.

Valencia top the table after an 83rd-minute Juan Mata goal saw off Osasuna 1-0, while Alvaro Negredo netted with 15 minutes to go as second-placed Almeria beat derby rivals Malaga in a game which saw both sides finish with 10 men.

Villarreal won 2-1 at Numancia, while Real Madrid are on the coat-tails of the leaders after a 2-0 win at Racing Santander - courtesy of second-half goals from Ruben De la Red and former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The Seville derby, between Real Betis and Sevilla, ended goalless, as did the meeting of Deportivo La Coruna and Real Mallorca at the Riazor, while Athletic Bilbao enjoyed a maiden win after edging out Real Valladolid 2-0.