Celta gave Atlético de Madrid manager Claudio Ranieri more headaches, winning 1-2 in the Vicente Calderon stadium for Atleti's third defeat in a row. Djorovic and Mostovoi were back in the Celta side for the first time this season since being injured, and Ranieri left out Hugo Leal in favour of Venturin. The first goal came on the half hour from the penalty spot after Atlético's new keeper Toni brought down Gustavo López, and Karpin converted the kick. The Madrid side were level six minutes later through Spanish international Valerón who headed in Capdevila's cross on the far post, but with the game seemingly petering out to a draw, Revivo headed the winner four minutes from time. Celta move up to seventh, with Atlético de Madrid now firmly anchored to the bottom.

Ranieri's old club Valencia also sank further into the mire with their third defeat in a row, this time 0-2 at home to Alavés. The side from Vitoria were the better team, and after defending strongly in the first half manager Mané realized that the points were his for the taking, and brought on three second half attacking substitutes, Magno, Salinas and Morales. Magno opened the scoring seven minutes from time heading in Astudillo's long pass, and Astudillo himself added the second a minute from full time. The result could even have been worse - Alavés were awarded a penalty four minutes before the end after Björklund was sent off for bringing down Julio Salinas (celebrating his 37th birthday), but Pablo's penalty kick hit the crossbar. Hector Cúper will now be under strong pressure to get a result against Glasgow Rangers in the champions league midweek.