Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz struck twice to help Real Betis defeat Real Zaragoza 4-3 and go top of the table.

Betis got off to a flying start as Santa Cruz and a Salva Sevilla penalty gave them a 2-0 lead after only 12 minutes.

Zaragoza were handed a lifeline when Betis goalkeeper Casto twice fumbled crosses to allow Efrain Juarez to prod into an empty net, but the hosts appeared to have sealed the three points within the first five minutes of the second period when Benat scored from Betis' second penalty of the evening before Santa Cruz nodded in the fourth.

Casto was then sent off for bringing down Luis Garcia just outside the box and the hosts were made to suffer with 10 men as Juan Carlos scored twice in two minutes with fine volleyed finishes at the back post but Betis held on in the final 10 minutes to make it four wins from four.