Alavés have once again the best defence in the league, and Herrera is taking over where Kike left off before he was injured. In fact Kike was expected to return this weekend but he failed a late fitness test and Herrera (who was Zamora two seasons ago) kept his place to record another clean sheet for his side. Barcelona have the second best "goals against" record together with Valencia, and Bonano did not have too much work to do this weekend against Betis. Other than those two, there were three more clean sheets, including Real Sociedad's Alberto, who stopped a penalty from Tenerife's Xisco in to the bargain. Osasuna's Unzué and Málaga's Contreras both contributed to their teams' victories against Mallorca and Zaragoza respectively.

Mallorca's first choice keeper Leo Franco picked a bad day to return though, letting in four goals, and Zaragoza's Láinez had to leave the field with an injury in the second half, although maybe it was just his pride that was hurt as he let Musampa's soft shot through his hands a few minutes earlier. He was replaced by Juanmi, who has not played since refusing to renew his contract with the club. Some rumours say he has signed a pre-contract with Deportivo for next season. Finally two keepers returned to their sides with mixed results, Lopetegui coming in for Rayo who beat Depor, and Aragoneses returning at Tenerife who lost to Real Sociedad. (29.10.01)