Good and bad news for Spanish sides in the UEFA Cup. On Wednesday night a strike from Bodipo against Nancy took Deportivo through to the knock-out round. Valencia were already sure of a place in the last 32, and Morientes and Zigic made sure of second place in their group.

The following day though both Sevilla and Racing were knocked out, the Andalusians losing 1-0 to Sampdoria and the Cantabrians bowing out on goal difference despite a brave 3-1 win against Manchester City.

The last weekend before the Christmas break produced 32 goals in all. A strike from Henry gave Barcelona a 1-2 win at Villarreal, completing a clean sweep against their four closest rivals in recent weeks and taking Pep Guardiola's side ten points clear at the top.

Only two points separate the next five though in what is already looking like a fight for the runners-up spot. Atlético Madrid moved up to third after a 2-3 win at Espanyol, with Maxi scoring twice and Agüero also on the scoresheet. And Real Madrid are just a point behind their city rivals, Higuaín the goalscorer in a 1-0 win over Valencia.

Elsewhere Baha netted his seventh of the season in the league as Málaga picked up a point against Racing to stay in the top half of the table. (22.12.08)