Cristiano Ronaldo scored the 50th hat-trick of his career in Real Madrid’s 6-3 win over Girona.
The 33-year-old Portugal international has scored 21 goals in 11 games.
The result takes Real, Spanish champions last season, above Valencia to third but they are still four points behind city rivals Atletico, who fell to a surprise 2-1 loss at Villarreal.
Leaders Barcelona are 11 points clear of Atletico, after winning 2-0 at home to Athletic Bilbao.