Only one red card in the midweek quarter final cup games, Atlético's Lequi the unlucky man for a second bookable offence. His side had already lost though when the incident happened. And six more at the weekend, starting with Málaga keeper Arnau who got his marching orders midway through the first half for handling outside of the area. Some say he did it deliberately to get out of the firing line of the Valencia strikers!

There were two reds in the game between Valladolid and Real Madrid, with the home side defender Peña getting two yellow cards in succession after the ball hit his arm in the area, the first for the hand ball itself and the second for protesting his innocence. Solari followed soon afterwards, also for a second bookable offence. Valladolid are expected to appeal, as they felt the hand ball was accidental.

There were further sendings off for protesting as well, Racing's Juanma getting a second booking for arguing against another penalty decision, and in fact lucky to get off with a one match ban after the referee reported him for a light push in the chest. Atlético's Aguilera was not so fortunate though, and his insults to the referee after his second yellow card earned him a two match ban. Albacete's Delporte was the other man sent off, the bad tackle near the end which earned him a second caution a sign of frustration with his side losing 4-0.

Six players will miss the next weekend's round of games for accumulation of yellow cards. Osasuna's Pablo García and Sevilla's Daniel Alves have both picked up ten yellows this season, and Aranzubia (Athletic), Jesuli (Celta), Sergio (Deportivo) and Jesús (Valladolid) all have five. (03.02.04)