Only one game midweek, the fixture postponed from day 15 between Betis and Barcelona due to Barça's participation in the Club World Cup. The match passed without incident, although Márquez picked up his fifth booking and had to sit out the Sunday game against Celta.

Five reds at the weekend, including Mallorca's Ballesteros, who was sent off for a second bookable offence against Recre just a week or so after being sent off in the cup. Josetxo (Osasuna) and Lequi (Celta) were also given their marching orders in their respective games for second yellow cards (Lequi's for asking the referee if he had no dignity!), and Deportivo's Taborda was given a straight red for bringing down Zaragoza's Diego Milito a yard from goal as he lined up to score. The fifth red card was for Recreativo's assistant coach Uría for insulting the referee.

Another six players will sit out next weekend's games after picking up their fifth bookings of the season, including Melli and Marcos Assunçao (Betis), De la Peña (Espanyol), Vitolo (Racing), César Arzo (Recreativo) and Arbeloa (Deportivo), who presumably will have to serve out his ban in England after being transferred to Liverpool. Oh, and Celta coach Fernando Vázquez picked up his fifth caution of the season, and for the fourth time this season will have to watch the next match from the stands. Some people never learn! (30.01.07)