A quieter round of matches after the last two weekends, with only Megia Dávila drawing complaints for some rigorous bookings and a dubious penalty in the match between Betis and Deportivo, and Real Madrid for once not involved in controversial decisions. The aftermath of last weekend's game against Espanyol is still going on though, and although Madrid finally decided not to ask for the match to be repeated (see last week's report), referee Rodríguez Santiago was feeling the pressure and said he might call it a day. There is in fact some concern in Spain that the number of people taking up refereeing is dropping, and there are already problems in the minor and junior leagues to find someone to take charge. The referees association are currently undertaking a recruitment drive, but with all the stick the man in black get in this country it is not surprising that there are not many takers. (23.09.05)