A much better round of Champions League games for Spanish sides, with three of the four winning and Villarreal drawing away from home. Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard rested Ronaldinho and Deco at the weekend and it paid off big-time, Ronaldinho getting a hat-trick and Deco a fourth against Udinese to head their group. Even bigger news though was Raúl's 50th goal in the top European competition, making him the first player ever to reach that target. They struggled after that though, and under 21 international Soldado had to "pull the chestnuts out of the fire" (as they say over here) to ensure a win against Olympiakos. Betis also got a great result, Oliveira's goal enough to take the three points at Anderlecht.

Ronaldinho (complete with gold lined boots) was on target from the penalty spot again at the weekend, although his strike and a late goal from Eto'o only saved a point after the Milito brothers, Gabi and Diego, got a goal each to put Zaragoza ahead. Eto'o is level in the league with Valencia's David Villa, who equalled Mario Kempes's club record of scoring in five games in a row. He may not be able to beat the record though as he was sent off near the end of the game at Getafe.

Ronaldo is lurking just a goal behind the two though as he started off a Brazil-fest of goals against Mallorca. His fellow countryman Baiano also got his fifth of the season as Celta took a point at Cádiz, although it was not enough to take them back above leaders Getafe, for whom the on-form Riki got his fourth of the season in their win over Valencia. Atlético Madrid's terrible twins Torres and Kezman were also on the scoresheet as their side won away at Málaga, and so far when one gets a goal so does the other. Both have three in the league, the same as Real Sociedad's Kovacevic who is back on song now Nihat has returned from injury to give him a hand. (03.10.05)