In Europe this weekend, Manchester City stayed top in England while Real Madrid and Barcelona also won to increase the expectancy ahead of next weekend’s El Clasico.
ENGLAND
– Manchester City remained five points clear after thrashing Norwich 5-1, while Manchester United kept in touch thanks to a 1-0 win at Aston Villa. Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri, Yaya Toure, Mario Balotelli and Adam Johnson were all on target for City. Sir Alex Ferguson’s United kicked off the late game at Villa Park eight points behind City and suffered an early blow when Mexico striker Javier Hernandez was stretchered off with ankle ligament damage. However, the champions sealed the points in the 20th minute when England international Phil Jones scored the first senior goal of his career. At St James’ Park,
SPAIN
– Real Madrid defeated Sporting Gijon 3-0 while Barcelona hammered Levante 5-0 as Spanish football’s two superpowers warmed up for next weekend’s El Clasico by preserving their grip on the title race. Real stretched their winning run to 14 games in all competitions and lead Barcelona by three points with the defending La Liga and European champions having played a game more. Angel Di Maria, Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo were on target against a Sporting Gijon side who finished the game with 10 men when Sebastian Eguren was sent off.
ITALY
– Juventus went back to the top of Serie A after a 2-0 victory over Cesena in a match where the visitors had their goalkeeper controversially sent off. Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal, from the penalty spot, scored the goals that restored the Old Lady of Turin’s two-point lead over AC Milan and Udinese. Roma finished with eight men after Juan, Fernando Gago and Bojan Krkica were sent-off in a 3-0 humiliation at Fiorentina, who began the game by paying tribute to former player Socrates, who died earlier on Sunday. Inter Milan are fifth from bottom after losing 1-0 at home to Udinese while AC Milan defeated Genoa 2-0.
GERMANY
– Bayern Munich shot back to the top with a 4-1 win over 10-man Werder Bremen and replaced defending champions Dortmund who were held 1-1 at Moen-chengladbach. France star Franck Ribery scored two superb individual goals, while Dutch winger Arjen Robben converted two penalties as Munich opened a one-point lead at the top. Dortmund drop to second after they were held to a 1-1 draw at third-placed ‘Gladbach. The visitors went ahead when Poland striker Robert Lewandowski rose highest to head home a corner on 40 minutes for his 10th league goal of the season.
City stay top, Barca, Real set for Clasico
