Only one goal for Spanish sides in the midweek UEFA Cup, David Silva's early strike giving Valencia a first leg draw at Dynamo Kiev. Deportivo seem to be out of it though after losing 3-0 at Aalborg.

Real Madrid dominated the headlines at the weekend though, Raúl and Huntelaar scoring two each and Higuaín and Sergio Ramos also on target as they raced to a 6-1 half time lead over Betis. Meanwhile Barcelona lost 1-2 to city rivals Espanyol, De la Peña scoring twice to give his side their first win in the Nou camp in 27 years. The ex Barça midfielder hadn't scored himself since 2005!

Elsewhere David Villa closed up on Eto'o with a goal against Deportivo then got himself sent off later on, and Rossi helped Villarreal to a win against Sporting despite Bilic's first minute strike. Negredo got his fifth in four games, this time from the penalty spot at Recreativo, and Soldado and Llorente returned to their respective sides and netted one each in a 1-1 draw between Getafe and Athletic. (23.02.09)