Have the referees turned against Real Madrid? After many seasons of being accused by their opponents of receiving help from the so-called pro-government officials, they found themselves up against it when Lizondo Cortés awarded a penalty against them and then ordered it to be retaken after Roberto Carlos encroached on the area. The second kick was also saved and Lizondo did give one at the other end (which Ronaldo missed). But the referee scuppered their hopes of a recovery leaving them with nine men after sending off defenders Samuel and Salgado.

Elsewhere hands were in the news, with Megia Dávila upsetting Mallorca by giving a penalty against them when the ball struck Fernando Niño on the arm from close range (another which was missed), whereas Esquinas Torres didn't see anything wrong when Pacheco appeared to control the ball with his arm before scoring against Zaragoza. There was also a question of a possible foul by Darío Silva when Sevilla scored their first goal which Rubinos Pérez ignored. (21.09.04)