Espanyol recorded a good victory by 2-1 over Oviedo after falling behind in the first half to a goal by Dely Valdés, who lobbed keeper Cavallero in a counterattack. Brindisi made an inspired substitution at the start of the second half, bringing on Toni Velamazán and Tamudo for Galca and Possee. Within 20 minutes Espanyol were in front, with Tamudo scoring the first and Velamazán making the second for Benítez. The game was marred by the death of an 18 year old employee at the Montjuic Olympic stadium. The employee, who had been collecting cushions after the match, fell over a balcony in an unprotected part of the ground. It was the second fatal injury at an Espanyol game; a boy was killed a few years ago at the old Sarria stadium when he was hit by a flare fired by unthinking supporters. Our thoughts go out to the youngster's family.

The comeback of the day must be that of Valladolid, who recovered from 0-2 down to beat Málaga 4-2, with four goals in 23 minutes. A real game of two halves this, with first a Catanha header (his fourth goal in four games) and then a spectacular own goal by Roteta giving Málaga what appeared to be an unassailable lead. However the two players on loan from Real Madrid Congo and Rodrigo combined for the latter to pull one back five minutes into the second half, and De los Santos equalised with a header from a corner six minutes later. Victor completed the come back with two goals, the first when he took advantage of indecision by keeper Contreras (also one of four players on loan from Real Madrid) and the second from a header after a free kick. Both teams occupy the centre of the table on 6 points.