Dely Valdés moved a little closer to leader Roy Makaay after scoring the two goals which gave Málaga a surprise win over Leeds in the UEFA cup. He now has nine in Europe, one more than even the Deportivo star striker. Goals in Europe too for Barça's Kluivert as Van Gaal's side confound everyone with ten straight wins in the Champions League, and Real Madrid's Raúl, who's brace against Lokomotiv saved the day for the European champions. Raúl got another at the weekend as his team fought back against Recreativo, and after a slow start he now moves up to third in the table.

Things dropped off again in the league this week, with 24 goals in all. John Carew kept Valencia in second place after coming on a substitute to score two excellent goals, taking him level with teammate Mista on eight in all competitions. Two apiece as well for Racing's Benayoun and Valladolid's Aganzo, and Rubén Navarro got his eighth of the season as Alavés recorded a much needed win over Atlético Madrid. (18.12.02)