Deportivo La Coruna moved level on points with Sevilla following a surprise 1-0 win over Manolo Jimenez's side in the Primera Liga.
The Andalusians had won five matches in a row since losing at Valencia on the opening day and many consider them to be a good outside bet for the title following their impressive 2-1 win over Real Madrid prior to the international break.
But they had no answers against an impressive Deportivo side that claimed the points at Riazor than! ks to a stunning first-half strike from Juan Rodriguez.
And some stout defending in the second period saw the Galicians go on to claim a fifth victory from seven matches to join their opponents on 15 points.
With Barcelona and Real Madrid both in action later on the same night, Sevilla had the chance to apply some pressure on the big two in Galicia.
And they started well as Renato blasted over the bar after seven minutes following Jesus Navas' excellent far-post cross.
The lively Navas then set up Frederic Kanoute and, after the Mali forward had in turn fed Adriano, the Brazilian midfielder fired wide after 24 minutes.
Sevilla were creating the better chances at this stage, but Deportivo were having their moments as well and went ahead through a fantastic Rodriguez strike seven minutes before half-time.
The midfielder seized on a loose ball and leathered a thunderous drive past stand-in Sevilla keeper Javi Varas from more than 30 ya! rds to give the home side a surprise lead.
Rodriguez ha! d fallen out of favour in recent weeks, but impressed Deportivo coach Miguel Angel Lotina during the international break and marked his return to the first-team in style with a truly breathtaking strike.
And four minutes later, the midfielder almost created a second when he set up Andres Guardado in the area, but the Mexico winger was off target with his effort.
On the stroke of half-time, Javi Varas then produced a wonderful save to deny Riki's header as Deportivo pressed for a second.
After the break, Alvaro Negredo saw his long-range effort kept out by Daniel Aranzubia as Sevilla pushed for an equaliser.
And the Spain striker was off target a minute later with a volley as that pressure intensified.
But Deportivo weathered the Sevilla storm and restricted the visitors to a handful of chances.
The best of those came late on, when Julien Escude was off target with a header and Renato opted to tee up Kanoute when he should have gone for goal ! with six minutes left.
That chance was also wasted and Deportivo held on for victory.
