Benzema scored in the 88th minute and deep into added time to give the defending Spanish champions a 3-1 win at Espanyol on Sunday night for their third straight away victory.

It was the second and third league goals for the French international striker, while on the other side of town in Barcelona Robert Lewandowski took his tally to four.

The Poland forward continues to make scoring look easy after joining from Bayern Munich. The Catalan club's top signing this season found the net twice to lead them to a 4-0 rout of Real Valladolid.

"He is extraordinary," Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said of Lewandowski.

"He is a natural leader who has been helping us greatly."

Pedri and Sergi Roberto also scored for Barca, either side of Lewandowski goals.

The 34-year-old got on the board in the 24th minute by completing a nice pass by Raphinha, another new signing.

Pedri added to the lead in the 43rd after an assist by Ousmane Dembele, who also set up Lewandowski's superb backheel goal in the 64th. Roberto closed the scoring in added time.

"We knew what kind of player we had signed," newly signed Barcelona defender Jules Kounde said of Lewandowski.

"He is a top striker and he shows it with his goals and with how he helps the team."

Madrid were a few minutes away from losing their perfect record when Benzema came through with two late goals against Espanyol.

The visitors were far from their best but Benzema helped to salvage the win with a nice close-range touch to complete a well-placed cross by Rodrygo. Benzema then easily converted a free kick after Vinicius Junior had put them ahead in the 12th and Joselu equalised for the hosts in the 43rd.

It was the third match in a row on the road for Madrid, who asked to start away from home because of renovation work at their Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The team will be back at the venue for their match against Real Betis on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Villarreal's perfect record ended with a 0-0 draw at Getafe, who were yet to win a point this season.

Australian Associated Press