Villains

Only two red cards this time around, coming in the first and the last matches of the weekend. Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos was sent off just before half time for treading on Málaga's Eliseu as he lay on the ground, the referee deciding straight away that the action was deliberate. Ramos has now been shown eight red cards in his time at the Bernabeu, taking him one above Hugo Sánchez and Guti and just two below the club's all time record holder Fernando Hierro. The difference is that Hierro clocked up his ten red cards in 14 seasons, whereas Ramos has only been at the club for four.

Soldado was also shown a red card before half time in Getafe's match against Valencia. The Spanish international striker reputedly head-butted Marchena, the defender plummeting to the ground as if struck by lightning. Contact didn't appear that bad though, and (as manager Víctor Muñoz pointed out), Marchena has a long track record for "Oscar performances" of that type.

Whatever the case Soldado is likely to be given a one match ban, as will his team-mate Cata Díaz, the second player this season to reach the five yellow card cycle. (11.11.08)

Villains Yellow cards Red cards (straight) Games banned Total points
Sergio García (Betis) 4 2 2 8
Luccin (Racing) 6 1 1 8
Van Nistelrooy (R Madrid) 2 2 (1) 2 7
Marcelo (Real Madrid) 4 1 (1) 1 7
Navarro (Mallorca) 5 1 1 7
Vázquez (Recreativo) 5 1 1 7
Alvaro (Valladolid) 5 1 1 7
Amorebieta (Athletic) 3 1 (1) 1 6
Soldado (Getafe) 3 1 (1) 1* 6
Josemi (Mallorca) 3 1 (1) 1 6
Ramos (Real Madrid) 3 1 (1) 1* 6
Gerard (Sporting) 3 1 (1) 1 6
Arzu (Betis) 4 1 1 6
Azpilicueta (Osasuna) 4 1 1 6
Luis Fabiano (Sevilla) 4 1 1 6
Jarque (Espanyol) 5 0 1 6
Cata Díaz (Getafe) 5 0 1* 6