Deportivo La Coruña moved back to the top after winning 1-2 at Numancia. Donato and Fernando scored in the first half, but Rubén Navarro pulled one back. Referee Daudén Ibáñez sent off Fernando and then caused an uproar when he waved away a `penalty appeal in injury time which could have given the home side a point. A poor Barcelona side were beaten 2-0 by Mallorca. Two defensive mix ups between Dutruel and Sergi let in Eto'o to score the first and lay on the second for Ibagaza. Málaga's Darío Silva scored from the centre circle against Zaragoza, but Montenegro levelled the score to earn a point. A draw too between Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao, this time by 0-0, and in the day's other game, Las Palmas beat Racing Santander 2-1, with two goals from Oulare, including a penalty. Amavisca replied, also from the penalty spot, for Racing. In the second division, Levante moved up to third after defeating Sevilla 2-0. (28.10.00)

Valencia moved two points clear at the top after coming from behind to win 1-2 at Osasuna. Mateo scored from a free kick early for the home side, but an own goal from Cruchaga and a late Carew goal gave the visitors victory. Real Madrid spoilt Periko Alonso's first day in charge at Real Sociedad, winning 1-4 with goals from Guti, Hierro (a penalty), Figo and Savio. Jankauskas got a late consolation for the Basque side. Madrid move second, ahead of Alavés and Deportivo on goal average. Alavés ended Rayo Vallecano's unbeaten record with an early Javi Moreno goal to win 0-1, and Celta did the same for Valladolid's with a 2-1 victory, with goals from Karpin and Edu. Ciric scored his first goal for his new club in injury time. Celta and Rayo occupy the two UEFA spots, leaving Barcelona out of the honours down in seventh place. Their city neighbours Espanyol got their second win in four days with a 2-0 victory over Oviedo. Sergio got the first and Tamudo added the second in his first league appearance this season. (29.10.00)

Córdoba held on to the top spot in the second division with an injury time penalty against Atlético Madrid to draw 1-1. Jaén beat Murcia 2-1 to move second, level with Sevilla who lost at Levante. Tenerife and Betis both win and approach top spots. (29.10.00)