With the end of the season only a couple of weeks away, this weekend's referees' decisions could have a big impact on who goes down and who will be playing in Europe next season. Velasco Carballo gave struggling Mallorca a helping hand, awarding a penalty to the Islanders when Okubo fell under Lacruz's challenge early on but turning down Athletic Bilbao's appeal for a second penalty when Iuliano brought down Llorente. The day before, Undiano Mallenco did Levante no favours, waving away claims for a penalty when Barcelona's Van Bronckhorst appeared to handle in the area, and then deciding not to send off Ronaldinho and Deco for incidents late in the first half.

Five teams are fighting it out for the two remaining Champions League spots and two (or maybe three) UEFA cup places, and Villarreal got the edge on the rest after Rodríguez Santiago awarded a controversial penalty to them after José Marí (Spanish diving champion) fell in the area under a challenge from Albacete's . Agus. The goal settled the match, and Albacete were down. Meanwhile Espanyol's Maxi (silver medal) won himself a penalty from Teixeira Vitienes when he went down after rounding Valencia's Palop only a half hour in to the game, the action not only leading to his side's equaliser but also to the sending off of the keeper. All borderline decisions, but very important in the final outcome of the league this year. (17.05.05)