Eight Spanish sides played in Europe this week, and all eight won. In the Champions League, Van Nistelrooy helped Real Madrid to victory at Zenit, and a Marcos Senna free kick was enough to give Villarreal the three points against Celtic. Agüero got another cracker in Atlético Madrid's 2-1 win over Olympique Marseille, and Messi got two late on, once again in controversial circumstances, to turn the scoreline around for Barcelona at Shakhtar Donetsk.

In Thursday night's UEFA Cup ties, Kanouté stepped up to the plate to score two for Sevilla in Salzburg, and youngster Edu Bedía's goal at Honka Espoo took Racing through in their first ever appearance in European competitions. Valencia rested David Villa against Maritimo, but in the end he had to come on to get a late winner from the penalty spot. And there was excitement right up to the last minute in La Coruña, where two goals from Colotto saw Depor's tie against Brann through to a penalty shoot out, which the Galicians won.

And so to the league, where Saturday saw the face off between two of the World's best number 10s, Leo Messi and Kun Agüero. In the end though it was Messi who was crowned King Midas (everything he touched turned to "gol"!), as Barça raced into an incredible 5-1 lead with less than half an hour gone. Leo won a penalty for Eto'o (who scored two) and got one himself, and substitute Henry got number six after the break.

Lots of goals elsewhere though, with Raúl equalising twice to save a point for Real Madrid after Tamudo and Luis García had both given Espanyol the lead in the Bernabeu. Kanouté and Chevantón were on target for Sevilla as they beat Athletic 4-0, and Llorente got the winner for Villarreal against Betis. Lafita scored Depor's only goal to give them the three points against Numancia, and Negredo got his fifth in six matches as Almería scored twice late on to draw 2-2 at Getafe after Uche and Casquero had put the Madrid based side ahead. (06.10.08)