A surprise win for Zaragoza in the Copa del Rey final midweek, with Víctor Muñoz's team defeating Real Madrid 3-2 in extra time. David Villa scored one of the goals for the side from Aragón from the penalty spot, and got another at the weekend to make it sixteen now in all competitions. The injured Ronaldo was missing both for the cup final and the weekend league game, and in his absence Raúl took over the mantle of goalscorer against Athletic Bilbao, getting both of his side's goals. Little good it did them though as they fell to their second defeat in a row, the first time this has happened in over two years.

Lots of jostling for attention as the date approaches for Iñaki Sáez to name his squad for the friendly against Denmark, the penultimate chance to get on the boat for this summer's Euro 2004 championships. Mista was the man who most stood out, scoring a hat-trick as Valencia demolished Mallorca, although he could lose out in the end to his ex team mate Salva, who got another from the penalty spot for Málaga in their win over Sevilla. Who is almost certain to be in the squad though is Fernando Torres, who celebrated his 20th birthday with the winning goal against Betis.

And talking of birthdays, Ronaldinho also rounded off his 24th the following day with a last minute match winner for Barcelona against Real Sociedad. Elsewhere Milosevic missed out on a hat-trick in an extraordinary match at Racing Santander, the Celta striker firing a last minute penalty over the bar in their 4-4 draw. Eto'o and Riquelme also both added to their tallies with late penalties for their respective sides, although in both cases it was poor consolation with their teams already down and out. (22.03.04)