Real Madrid boss Manuel Pellegrini returns to former club Villarreal, insisting his side still have much to learn.

Sunday's 5-0 home victory against Xerez was the team's third win in as many matches to leave them alongside champions Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao as the only teams on nine points.

While the romp against lowly Xerez was impressive on paper, Pellegrini insists his team are far from the finished article.

"We didn't play well as a team, especially in the first 20 minutes," the Chilean told his club's website after the win.

"Perhaps we were too confident after the first goal. Xerez controlled the ball well. We improved in the second half with more midfielders on the pitch and the goals were a product. What I am not satisfied about is how we treated the ball."

Pellegrini, whose side go to El Madrigal on Wednesday, added: "Fans see, feel and express with applause or whistles. Today it was Fernando Gago's turn, but he shouldn't be affected because he is good enough to change things around.

"I am happy because we won 5-0. The goals weren't a coincidence, but we didn't play that well.

"It's a matter of irregularities at the start of the season, but I am fine seeing how things are turning out. We are still improving.

"I don't think there is any lack of adapting to the system. No team has created a lot of chances against us yet. It is hard to play well for 90 minutes. We placed a lot of faith in the team's fire power. Individual assessments are made in private with players, I am speaking about the collective effort."

Dutch veteran Ruud van Nistelrooy made a goalscoring return at the Bernabeu but a hamstring problem has ruled him out for at least five weeks.

The Yellow Submarine, meanwhile, will be without chief playmaker Ariel Ibagaza after the Argentinian suffered an injury in the 3-2 defeat by Athletic Bilbao.

Champions Barca face a trip to El Sardinero to meet Racing Santander on Tuesday fresh from Saturday's 5-2 demolition of Atletico Madrid. Only defender Gerard Pique is an injury doubt while Rafael Marquez made his long-awaited return from injury against the capital club.

The Catalans have made a strong start to the season following their treble success last term, although president Joan Laporta attempted to play down the hype surrounding the champions.

"After three games it is still far too early to say anything," he said. "We're just happy with the results, with how the team is playing, and how work is being gradually improved.

"What is really important is to maintain motivation, work ethic and to keep being humble, respecting your opponent, and trying to reach the same level as last year."

Elsewhere in La Liga, Sevilla host Mallorca at the Sanchez Pizjuan on Tuesday while on Wednesday, Atletico host Almeria, Malaga go to Espanyol, Valencia face a trip to Getafe, Tenerife and Athletic Bilbao clash in the Canary Islands, Real Valladolid host Osasuna and Deportivo La Coruna travel to Xerez.

Valencia striker David Villa has backtracked somewhat after criticising his side for dropping two points in the 2-2 draw at home to Sporting Gijon at the weekend.

Villa had lamented his side's approach after going 2-1 up but said: "It was in the heat of the moment. Everyone else was as annoyed as me because we lost two points and I said what I thought."

He added: "Now we must be united for Wednesday's match and recoup the points we lost at the Mestalla when we go to Getafe."