Atlético de Madrid got their second win of the season thanks once again to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and are gradually staggering clear of the danger area. Ranieri finally bowed to pressure (he denied it) to replace new goalkeeper Toni with Molina, only four days after Toni made his full debut for the Spanish international side and as things would have it on Toni's birthday. Molina did keep a clean sheet, although he didn't have a lot to do against an Alavés side who had clearly come for the draw. Hasselbaink scored the only goal of the game from a free kick in the 76th minute, his well struck shot deflecting off the wall to leave Herrera going the wrong way. It was his fourth league goal of the season, and he is single handedly proving the saviour of Ranieri's job, as president Jesus Gil keeps quiet for the time being. Gil did however hold a pep talk with players during the week to make his position clear.

Another struggler Valencia also appear to be climbing out of the pit, and they recorded their first home win of the season with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Numancia. Hector Cúper brought in Adrian Ilie for his first start of the season alongside Claudio López, who had been let off international duty together with Kily González by Argentina's manager Bielsa. Ilie showed that he has shaken off the injury that dogged him last season, scoring the first two goals of the match, the first on the half hour from Claudio's cross and the second at the start of the second half. Farinós came on to score the third on the hour, shooting past Nuñez from the edge of the area, and another substitute Oscar got his first goal for the club two minutes from time. This was Numancia's first ever match against Valencia, although three of their players, Ruben Navarro, Pepín and Popescu could help their coach driver find the ground as they are currently on loan from the club. Goekoetxea was without Ojeda and Jaume, both injured, and Iván Rocha, suspended. After a good start his side are starting to slide, and need a couple of good results to stay clear of the relegation zone.

The last time referee Japón Sevilla was in charge of a match between Oviedo and Valladolid in 1996 he awarded a record six penalties, and the match finished a scandalous 3-8, with Valladolid striker Peternac scoring five. His refereeing has improved slightly since then (not much), but he still couldn't resist awarding one little penalty for old times sake when Onopko brought down Víctor halfway through the second half. Rodrigo scored from the spot kick to level the scores at 1-1 after Dely Valdés had put the home side in front after 16 minutes. This time Peternac didn't make the starting line up through injury, Manzano choosing Víctor and Rodrigo up front, with Lozano and Turiel returning to the team after a suspension. Luis Aragonés was without Claessens, Corbo and Iván Ania, all injured. He is another manager under pressure to produce results and has to take his team to the Bernabeu stadium on Saturday to play Real Madrid.