Atlético Madrid's Motta got himself sent off in the cup match against Valencia after picking up two yellow cards in the first half hour, the first for arguing with Caneira and the second for a hard tackle on Villa. Motta already had quite a track record in his time at Barcelona, and it looks as if he has not reformed. Neither it seems though has his team-mate Reyes, who was one of six to see red cards at the weekend, again for a second bookable offence. The ex Sevilla and Arsenal forward has not scored since his move from Real Madrid in summer, and the knives were out for both in the local press this week.

A lot of the fun and games this weekend came in Sevilla, where old enemies Sevilla and Osasuna faced off. Some of their previous encounters would have graced the World Wrestling Federation, and once again the game ended in a brawl after a controversial late penalty won it for the locals. Seconds earlier the home side had failed to give the ball back to their opponents after Ricardo had kicked into touch to allow an injured player to be treated, and the handbags were flying all round after the final whistle. Josetxo had been sent off earlier by referee Iturralde González for a second yellow card, and Javi García was also given his marching orders after a second booking in the penalty incident (later cancelled by the disciplinary committee). Sevilla's Adriano was given a one match ban for throwing water at Azpilicueta in the final rumble, and visiting coach Ziganda was also suspended for one game for grabbing the Sevilla delegate by the throat! (See white stick section for more).

Murcia's Mejía was in trouble as well this weekend after he was sent off for giving away a penalty against Levante, his one match ban extended to three for serious insults against referee Rubinos Pérez as he was leaving the field. Levante kit manager Francisco Gómez was also shown a red card in the same game, and elsewhere Valladolid's young keeper Sergio Asenjo was sent for an early bath after being shown two yellow cards against Deportivo. Another eight players will miss next weekend's matches after picking up their fifth bookings of the season, including Fernando Navarro and Varela (Mallorca), Dady (Osasuna), Gago (Real Madrid), Chevantón and Jesús Navas (Sevilla), Miguel (Valencia) and Marcos Senna (Villarreal). (29.01.08)