Repercussions from last weekend's game between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, with referee Alvarez Izquierdo under scrutiny by the disciplinary committee after some poor decisions (see last week's report). If he is found to have made mistakes in next week's hearing, he could be put on suspension for a month or so.

No complaints from Madrid this week though despite a surprise cup defeat against Real Unión and a disappointing draw at Almería, and everything appears to have settled down after their angry accusations of "a black hand" against them. In fact both cup and league were fairly quiet all round, with a few excesses by Clos Gómez, Teixeira Vitienes Daudén Ibáñez and Pérez Lasa on the card front, but little else. Long may it stay that way! (04.11.08)