Only 15 goals scored in the league this weekend, the lowest number, at least since we started keeping records two or three years ago. One of those though was our leader, Deportivo La Coruña's Roy Makaay, who made it fifteen for the season with the equaliser at Sevilla. He moves ahead of the rest in the league Pichichi as well, with eight goals now to his name. "Rifle" Pandiani and Ismael Urzaiz both scored for the fourth week in a row to join the group on seven goals, and under 21 international Fernando Torres returned for Atlético Madrid and scored the only goal of the match to help his side move up to fifth in the table. His stand-in last week José Marí moved out to the right wing again after his hat-trick against Athletic Bilbao and his debut goal playing up front for Spain midweek. With Javi Moreno on the bench and Correa also in good form, Atleti have a squad which could take them back to Europe this year.

Talking of Europe, Valencia also proved that they have strength in depth, with Mista coming in for the injured Aimar this week and scoring both goals in their win over Valladolid. Although he has not played that much this season, he actually moves up to third in our "all-competitions" table. Recreativo's Raúl Molina also got two goals to give his side their first win of the season, and he only came on as substitute six minutes from the end! And finally Villarreal's Martín Palermo got his name on the league scoresheet at last after eleven games. The veteran striker has been looking a bit past it recently, but he declared that he would score before the end on November. So Mallorca's Marcos took pity on him and gave him a helping hand with a back pass right to his feet in front of goal. "There you go old boy, stick that one in the onion bag". Well they do say charity begins at home. (26.11.02)