After a brief lay-off for international matches, the first round of the Spanish cup kicked off midweek. There were four hat-tricks in all, including one each for Real Madrid's young strikers Tote and Portillo, who were given a run out as Del Bosque rested his star players. They eventually ran out 1-8 winners against third division side Sanse. Gastón Casas was also drafted into the Betis side and he too made the best of his opportunity, scoring three with a little help from Denilson. The fourth player to get his name on the scoresheet three times was from the second division B, Novelda's Madrigal producing the performance of his life to help his side knock mighty Barcelona out of the competition.

Sevilla's Moisés also got two in the cup and added another from the penalty spot in the league game at Atlético Madrid. He joins a group of eight players on three goals, including Kovacevic, Makaay and Luis Enrique who have got all theirs in the league. The top scorer in that competition though is still Musampa, who added another this week to his hat-trick against Recreativo. His team mate Dely Valdés is still at the top of the all competitions chart, and after scoring from the penalty spot in the cup he added another in the league, despite having an earlier penalty saved. (17.09.02)