They were scoring in pairs in the midweek second round cup matches, with Luque and Diego Tristán getting two each in Deportivo's thrilling 3-4 win over Ferrol, and Portillo and Tote both doing the same in Real Madrid's tie at Oviedo. Curiously the Madrid pairing also scored hat-tricks apiece in the first round match. Ronaldo watch out! Rubén Navarro also got a brace for Alavés as they knocked out Zaragoza, and Mista also scored twice for Valencia, although his side were eliminated in the end.

Some big scoring as well at the weekend, with Urzaiz and José Mari both making claims for more recognition with three goals each in their 3-3 draw, the first time this has happened (a hat-trick for each side we mean) in almost 50 years. Walter "the rifle" Pandiani also kept up his return to form with two more, making it five in eight days. On the league Pichichi front, Kovacevic caught up with Makaay on the seven mark, as did Julio Alvarez with his fifth penalty of the season. Aimar becomes the third Valencia player to reach six in all competitions with another goal at the weekend to add to his hat-trick the week before. (12.11.02)