Players returned from their winter break full of cheer, (and Christmas goodies), and their were few problems for referees this week. All top flight clubs were in action in the cup, but only two red cards, one for Recreativo's Beto early on against Xerez for bringing down an opponent close to goal, and one for Zaragoza's Diego Milito as nerves frayed at the end of the match with Pontevedra. Milito was subsequently let off by the disciplinary committee though, and played at the weekend against Real Madrid.

Two more reds at the weekend, one of which was actually for the Zaragoza doctor for protesting against the referee, and the other was for Valencia substitute Zigic, who was sent off for a hard tackle on Levante's José Serrano in a tense local derby. Being a straight red, the Serbian striker will miss the midweek cup tie against Betis.

Six players will miss next weekend's league games after picking up their fifth bookings of the season, including Touré Yaya (Barcelona), Cata Díaz (Getafe), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Poli (Recreativo), and Dragutinovic and Luis Fabiano (Sevilla). Touré of course will be away next weekend on international duty for the Ivory Coast, and some cynical reports suggested he did it deliberately. Surely not! (08.01.08)