A well behaved week for once, with no incidents of note in the two cup semi-finals and only two red cards at the weekend in the league. The first was for Deportivo's César, who was spotted by the referee (and caught on camera) head-butting Villarreal's new signing De Nigris near the end of their game. The Mexican striker is certainly making a name for himself after only two part games for his new club, scoring with his first touch last week and now involved in this particular piece of theatre. Whether his reaction was over the top or not is a question the disciplinary committee must decide if and when they consider César's appeal.

The other red card was for Osasuna's Paqui, who picked up two yellow cards in the first quarter of an hour at Sevilla. The veteran defender is an old villain, but even he must be disappointed after being given a rare start at the club he only joined in the summer. Luccin and Arruabarrena reached the ten card threshold and can expect to sit out their respective games next weekend. Magno (Alavés), Duscher and Víctor (Deportivo), Ibagaza (Mallorca), De Quintana and Peragón (Rayo), Carboni (Valencia) and Belletti (Villarreal) all received their fifth, and will also be suspended. (11.03.03)