Cup semi-final first legs midweek, with Llorente getting Athletic Bilbao off to a good start at Sevilla before Duscher and Acosta turned it round for the Andalusians late on. The Following day Barcelona took a big step towards a place in the final with a 2-0 win over Mallorca, Henry and Márquez the scorers.

On to the league, and on Saturday Higuaín got the only goal as Real Madrid beat Racing to make it seven wins in a row. Later in the evening Betis notched up their first away win against city rivals Sevilla in twelve years, with Sergio García starting things off and Oliveira netting on his return to his old club before Kanouté got a late consolation.

Barcelona are still way out in front though, and Eto'o scored two more in a win against Sporting to make it 21 for the season in 22 league games. With Valencia losing, Villarreal closed up on the Champions League spots thanks to a brace from Rossi. And Atlético Madrid are also back in the running, Forlán getting two and Agüero another to give new coach Abel Resino a best possible start. Málaga are not far behind as well, overcoming early goals from Almería's Uche and Negredo to win the match 3-2. (09.02.09)