A definitive week for the fortunes of Spanish sides in Europe, with Deportivo and Málaga bowing out of their respective competitions and Real Madrid and Valencia joining Barcelona in the last eight of the Champions League after nail-biting finishes. Ronaldo's headed goal in Moscow was just enough to keep the European Champions on track to renew their title, and Carew proved once again to be Arsenal's nightmare with two goals to add to the one he scored against the Londoners in last season's quarter final.

Kluivert also got his scoring boots back on, and he followed up his goal at Newcastle midweek with a brace in Barcelona's 6-1 thrashing of Racing Santander on Sunday. It was the first time he had scored in the league for nine weeks. Two goals too for Kovacevic, the second from the penalty spot, and he was already in the showers after being substituted when news came through that Villarreal had scored twice in injury time to equalise.

Ronaldo added to his goal in Europe with another at the weekend against Deportivo, and he also made Real Madrid's first for Zidane, who became the sixth Merengue to score ten in all competitions this season. Pandiani proved once again to be Mallorca's talisman with a goal against Valladolid, and when he is on form his side wins. Rubén Navarro also added to his tally with a goal at Sevilla, but in his case it didn't help much and Alavés are now being tipped as a candidate for relegation.

There will now be a two week break for international matches, and this section will return on or around 8th April with more news. (25.03.03)