For just about the first time this season there were no midweek matches, allowing the players a well-earned rest before the last two games of the season. Some sides were obviously more motivated than others this weekend, for example Villarreal who are fighting for the last of the three UEFA cup spots. Sonny Anderson and Riquelme gave them a 2-1 win over new champions Valencia, who put out a side packed with reserves in order to save their star players for the UEFA cup final. Barcelona are pushing for second place in order to avoid a tricky qualifying round in next season's Champions' League, and Ronaldino got their only goal from the penalty spot to take them above Real Madrid. And Sevilla held on to Villarreal's shirt tails, Baptista getting a penalty goal in their 1-4 win at Albacete.

There was no lack of motivation in the matches involving the bottom clubs as well, although much of this was rumoured to come from third party bonus payments to the opponents of the three teams most involved. It seems everybody paid everybody else's rivals, and Deportivo, Betis and Mallorca came out like rockets against Celta, Valladolid and Espanyol respectively, even though none of them had anything to play for. Pandiani got one of Depor's three against Celta, Assunçao finished off Valladolid and Tamudo's two first half goals against Mallorca (including one penalty) were of no use against an Eto'o inspired opponent who hit them for four in the second half. (17.05.04)