The UEFA Cup holders had been given the spur after Barcelona's 1-1 away draw at Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, and they did not waste their chance to take the league lead with a one-point advantage over Frank Rijkaard's side.

Malian international Frederic Kanoute stepped up to score a 50th minute penalty, allowing him to co-lead the scoring charts on eight goals alongside Argentinian Diego Milito, who scored in Real Zaragoza's 3-1 win over Getafe.

Sevilla's second goal was scored in the 88th minute by Adriano, with Kanoute the provider.

Their hold on the lead was reinforced by Celta Vigo stunning Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu, which left Fabio Capello's side four points behind Sevilla.

Capello was philosophical in defeat, admitting he had been pleased for the first time this season.

"We lost because we gifted them two goals," said the Italian, who helped Real to the league title in 1997 during his first spell in charge of the club.

"We played a good match and I told the team that afterwards. It's the first time my team has really given me something to smile about."

Celta Vigo opened the scoring through the impressive Nene in the 35th minute.

Real equalised through Brazilian Emerson barely eight minutes later, but as both sides chased the winner in a dramatic second half, late substitute Jorge struck to give Celta a memorable away win.

Brazilian striker Ronaldo made his first start of the season and former England captain David Beckham, who has also been used sparingly by Capello of late, came on as a second-half replacement.

To his credit Ronaldo, whom Capello labelled "too fat" only days ago, created a handful of goalscoring chances but ultimately failed to hit the net.

Capello said he still hoped to pair the burly Brazilian with his other striker, Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy.

"They played well together up front. I'm sure they can do so again."

Celta keeper Pinto pulled off a superb save in the 19th minute when Ronaldo unleashed a left-foot shot at his near post.

Moments later Ronaldo tested Pinto again after finding space on the edge of the area.

The turning point in the first half came after Real's claims for a penalty were waved away despite wing back Sergio Ramos collapsing to the ground after an apparent shove in the box following a free kick.

Celta came out on the counter-attack, and Canobbia made Real pay by holding the ball up deep on the left before delivering a perfect pass across the area which Nene shinned past Iker Casillas in the Real goal.

Two minutes before half-time Real were back on level terms when Emerson got his head to a precise delivery from a Raul corner on the left.

The Brazilian's effort left Pinto clutching at thin air but Emerson's somewhat aggressive reaction was arguably more remarkable than the goal itself.

Emerson had been under fire from some sections of the Real support of late, and he had perhaps been hoping to unleash a gesture to go with his goal but his progress was slowed by a handful of happy teammates.

In the second half Capello sent on van Nistelrooy in place of Robinho.

But despite coming close twice van Nistelrooy failed to make the difference.

Ronaldo would then make way for Beckham, but before the Brazilian tramped off he tested Pinto again with a drive from the left.

Fabio Cannavaro then saved Real by dispossessing Nene as he was about to bear down on Casillas.

Celta manager Fernando Vazquez then replaced Canobbio with Jorge, and that proved to be an inspirational substitution.

In the 82nd minute Real's Jose Antonio Reyes, on as a second half substitute, gave up possession cheaply and Jorge pounced to beat Casillas.