One of ex prize-winners Lopo was the only player to be sent off in the midweek cup quarter finals, the Spanish international defender getting his marching orders for a foul on a Valladolid player at the end of the match. And only two more red cards at the weekend, one for Sevilla substitute Duda who picked up two yellow cards in a minute at the end of the match against Real Sociedad, the second for diving, and one for Villarreal's Arruabarrena, who was shown a straight red for insulting the fourth official while sitting on the substitutes' bench.

Lots of players will sit out next weekend's games though after picking up their fifth bookings of the season. The list includes both of Racing's strikers, Zigic and Munitis, as well as Amorebieta (Athletic), Antonio López (Atlético), Capi (Betis), Jarque (Espanyol), Tomassi (Levante), Puñal (Osasuna), Garitano and Uranga (Real Sociedad), Escudé (Sevilla), David Villa (Valencia) and Juanfran (Zaragoza). . (06.02.07)