Zaragoza's players are heading the villains table at the early stage of the competition, with Garitano joining Paco and Juanele in the top positions. The midfielder got his marching orders for the second time this season following his sending off in the cup, and that having not played much at all in Txetxu Rojo's side in the first few games. In fact he was the only player to get his name in the referee's book in their game at Valencia, and some say he was unlucky to be given two yellows, both of which were a bit excessive. Garitano was one of three players sent off this weekend in the first division, the other two being Bilbao's Larrainzar and Real Madrid's Makelele.

Larrainzar had to sit out the first two games of the season for a ban left over from last year, and he will be missing again next week (one supposes) for their match against Espanyol after picking up two yellow cards. Makele was also booked twice in Madrid's game against his old club Celta Vigo, and had to leave the field in the last minute. He was consoled by the Celta players more than by his own colleagues as he walked off. Hierro will presumably join the French international in the stands for the next match at Villarreal after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season, which with Karanka and Iván Campo out means that Madrid's youngsters will have to fill in again. Celta's Luccin also picked up his fifth yellow card in the same match and will also get a one match ban. (22.10.01)