Football returned to Spain after a two week lay-off for the holiday period, with 15 first division sides participating in the first round of the final phase of the Copa del Rey. The odd team out was second division B side Zamora, and they held their own against mighty Barcelona until the Catalans got two late goals through Márquez and Giuly. Most sides though rested their top players, and the only Pichichi to make their mark were Kanouté, who is becoming a bit of a cup specialist after scoring two late goals against Cádiz, and David Villa, who converted a second half penalty at Villarreal.

The league returned at the weekend, and Eto'o added to his impressive tally with his side's second goal after Deco's opener against neighbours Espanyol, who got one back later on through Tamudo. The Cameroonian striker only has one league game left though before the Africa cup, and if his side do well he could miss four league games and possibly four more in the cup. He has a big gap over the rest though, and the only other of our Pichichis to score this weekend were Zaragoza's Diego Milito and Ewerthon. Six other players join the group on five goals though, including Deco, Canobbio, Valerón, Salva, Antoñito and Adriano. (09.01.06)