Pedro Rodriguez scored three goals and Victor Valdes saved another penalty in Barcelona's 4-0 win at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, keeping the defending Spanish league champions perfect through five rounds.

Pedro scored from a pass by Lionel Messi in the 33rd minute and added two more goals in the 47th and 72nd after Valdes saved his second penalty in four days following his stop in Wednesday's 4-0 over Ajax in the Champions League.

The Spain forward has five goals this season, making him the league's second-leading scorer behind Messi with six.

Cesc Fabregas capped the rout in the 80th with Rayo bravely searching for a consolation goal.

Barcelona provisionally took sole possession of the league lead, which Atletico Madrid could share if it won at Valladolid later.

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