What a week for goals, at least for Villarreal and Barcelona! The "Yellow Submarine" was firing on all torpedoes on Tuesday night, hitting six in their Champions League fixture against Aalborg, including a hat-trick in 17 minutes for half time substitute Llorente. And the following day Pep Guardiola's side scored five in the first 50 minutes of their tie at Basel, Bojan netting twice and Messi and Xavi also on the scoresheet. Elsewhere Simao saved a point for Atlético Madrid against Liverpool with a late strike, and Van Nistelrooy got a consolation away goal for Real Madrid as they fell 2-1 at Juventus. A pity the trend couldn't continue in to Thursday's UEFA Cup, Sevilla the only Spanish side to win as Deportivo and Racing both failed to score.

Barcelona's great form continued in to Saturday, where this time they got their five before the break against Almería. Eto'o scored a hat-trick in slightly slower time than Llorente (19 minutes), and Henry and Dani Alves got the others. Villarreal were not to be outdone though, and the Madrigal stadium saw another eight goals as their side drew 4-4 with Atlético. Llorente got one of the home team's to take his tally to four for the week, and Simao replied with two for himself plus assists for Forlán and Raúl García. David Villa was not to be overshadowed though, and he is now level with Eto'o in the race for the league Pichichi after scoring at Recreativo. Finally Higuaín presented his calling-card for the top scorers table with two for Real Madrid against Athletic Bilbao in the last match of the weekend. (27.10.08)