EL CLASICO once again lived up to its billing as Real Madrid traded blow for blow with Barcelona in Camp Nou on Sunday night and won to establish a commanding seven-point lead at the top of La Liga.

CROATIA squeezed past Israel 1-0 to consolidate their position at the top of England’s Group E and keep them on course for Euro 2008 qualification.

COACH Luis Aragones insists Spain are not taking anything for granted in their quest to reach the European Championship finals, even after his side’s potentially crucial victory over Denmark on Saturday.

David Beckham’s ankle injury is threatening to cast a shadow over what should be a fairytale ending to the former England captain’s Real Madrid career.

Fernando Torres is set to be sidelined for up to three weeks after suffering an ankle injury while on international duty with Spain.

SEVILLA retained the UEFA Cup with a 3-1 penalty shoot-out win against 10-man Espanyol at Hampden Park last night.

Espanyol 2 Sevilla 2 (Sevilla won 3-1 on penalties)

WERDER BREMEN go in search of their first piece of European silverware in 15 years when they travel to Barcelona for the second time this season.

BARCELONA’s grip on the Spanish title shows little sign of loosening after another classy display saw them cruise past Real Mallorca 3-0 last night.

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce is expected to step up his search to bring in a new striker next month with Walter Pandiani on the verge of joining Espanyol in a £1m (€1.46m) deal.

Espanyol are closing in on a deal to sign striker Walter Pandiani from Birmingham, according to Spanish media reports.

REAL MADRID coach Jose Antonio Camacho offered his resignation to club president Florentino Perez, Spanish state radio reported yesterday.

Espanyol 1 Real Madrid 0

REAL Madrid took full advantage of a slip-up by title rivals Valencia when they stretched their lead at the top of the Primera Liga to eight points following a 4-2 victory over struggling Celta Vigo last night.

Arsenal’s record signing Jose Reyes has been left out of Spain’s squad for next week’s friendly against Peru in Barcelona.

REAL Madrid beat Deportivo Coruna 2-1 at the Bernabeu last night to extend their perfect home league record and stay two points clear at the top of the Primera Liga.

Sunderland boss Peter Reid at last had something to celebrate today as one of his most promising talents committed himself to the club.

ROBBIE KEANE has pledged his future to Leeds after a summer of uncertainty for the Republic of Ireland striker.