Getafe's epic battle against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup captured the imagination of the nation, with record TV viewing figures as Michael Laudrup's brave side bowed out in the last minute despite goals by Contra, Casquero and Braulio. By contrast Barcelona's 1-0 victory against Schalke 04 (goal by Touré Yaya) in the Champions League was a bit of a damp squib, at least in the hearts and minds of the local fans who have already given up on Frank Rijkaard and the boys. Come on guys, they are in the semi-finals of the top European competition, even though their chances against Manchester United are about as good as those of Levante of winning the league title!

Barcelona put in another disappointing performance on Saturday at Recreativo, drawing 2-2 despite two good goals by Eto'o, and after Sneijder gave Real Madrid a 1-0 win over Murcia, the gap at the top has opened up to nine points. Barça are fighting out third spot with Villarreal, but the last Champions League place appears to be between Atlético Madrid, Racing Santander and Sevilla. Maxi's goal kept Atlético in fourth even though they only drew at Valladolid in the end, and Tchité got a late winner for Racing at Valencia after Villa had equalised for Koeman's side from the spot. And Sevilla beat Mallorca 2-3, Kanouté scoring soon after replacing an unhappy Luis Fabiano at the break, Güiza's twentieth of the season not enough to save a point for the locals. (14.04.08)