Real Madrid's "Galacticos: crashed to their first defeat of the season losing 2-1 at title rivals Sevilla yesterday as Barcelona opened a three-point lead at the summit.

Real were aiming to make it a perfect six wins and join Barcelona on maximum points, but instead Sevilla underlined their own credentials with a fifth straight win to move level on points with Real.

"We played really well and are on a roll at the moment," said Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano. "If we continue playing like that we can compete with Real and Barca at the top."

Sevilla were good value for the win and could have won more convincingly had it not been for Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Jesus Navas headed Sevilla ahead on 33 minutes and the hosts should have scored more but for two wonder saves from Casillas.

Pepe headed home a fortunate equaliser on 49 minutes from a set-piece before Brazilian Renato netted with yet another header after 66 minutes following a great ball from the impressive Navas.

"We knew we would lose at some stage," said Real midfielder Kaka. "We were beaten by a good team and we need to improve some things.

"It was an intense game in which we created chances but we made mistakes from set-pieces and got punished."