It was foggy last Sunday lunchtime in suburban Madrid, but reporters at Getafe v Rayo Vallecano could still make out the well wrapped-up figure of Phil Neville sitting in the plusher seats directly in front of the press box.

European round-up

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has joined the growing list of Premier League managers calling for the transfer window to close prior to the start of the season.

JOSÉ MOURINHO once claimed that five points was just the right lead to have in a title race: enough to insure against an accident or an upset, but not so much that it breeds complacency.

An explosion at an arms factory in central Spain used mainly to dismantle cluster bombs killed one person and wounded four others, one of them seriously, today, an official said.

HOODED raiders have stolen a van containing some 20 pieces of art which reportedly included a Picasso drawing.

Hooded raiders have stolen a van containing some 20 pieces of art reportedly including a Picasso drawing.

FOR drama and surprise there is nothing quite like La Liga, although the Premier League shows signs of running it close this season.

Almeria coach Unai Emery has warned his team not to get carried away by their recent success ahead of Sunday’s clash with Racing Santander.

RONALDINHO shrugged off claims about his weight as he helped Barcelona shrug off their mini-crisis and go two points clear in La Liga with a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao last night. An own goal by Amorebieta, a fine volley by Xavi and a cool finish from the recalled Eto’o in a brilliant first half display saw Barca home.

RONALDINHO grabbed his 11th league goal of the season as Barcelona extended their lead at the top of La Liga to two points after a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad at the Nou Camp on Saturday, while Sevilla moved into second spot after a 2-1 comeback win at home to Real Madrid.

Sevilla moved to within one point of Primera Liga leaders Barcelona after a 2-1 win at Celta Vigo.

SPANISH champions Barcelona sent out a warning shot to Champions League opponents Chelsea last night as they opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Spanish Primera Liga after their nearest rivals all faltered.

Barcelona’s Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o was subjected to racist chanting from a section of the crowd during the Primera Liga leaders’ 2-1 win at Getafe on Saturday evening.

John Lennon’s memory was alive and well in Madrid today as fans from all over Spain gathered to celebrate what would have been the singer’s 64th birthday.