Celtic notch up record 24th consecutive victory

News round-upCeltic rewrote the history books when they outplayed Partick Thistle for their 24th successive league victory.

The win saw them break a 40-year record set by Morton in the old Second Division, but, given the 58-point gap between these teams before the start, it was never in doubt.

"The record is a big achievement and I hope it stands for some time," said the Celtic manager Martin O'Neill.

Celtic had to wait until the 35th minute, when Chris Sutton headed in after John Kennedy and Henrik Larsson had helped on Alan Thompson's free-kick.

The midfielder then set up the second with another pinpoint free-kick that was met sweetly by Stanislav Varga.

Celtic's third after 52 minutes came from a Sutton penalty after Kenny Milne had fouled Kennedy.

Three minutes later Rab Douglas failed to hold a shot by substitute Andy Gibson and Partick's joint player-manager Gerry Britton fired home the rebound.

Celtic restored their three-goal lead when Varga headed a Thompson corner past Kenny Arthur with 10 minutes remaining.

Guardian service

SERIE A: Antonio Cassano scored a hat-trick as AS Roma crushed Siena 6-0 in Serie A yesterday to keep within five points of leaders AC Milan.

Milan came back from two goals down to beat city rivals Inter 3-2 in a thrilling derby on Saturday.

And a second-half goal from Mark Iuliano gave champions Juventus a 1-0 win at Bologna.

Milan lead on 55 points, with Roma on 50 and third-placed Juve a further point behind.

LA LIGA: Ronaldo struck with a controversial penalty and a second-half samba past the goalkeeper to give Real a 4-2 victory at Espanyol that took them five points clear at the top.

Ronaldo got the first after Raul had won a debatable decision in the area, but the referee soon helped restore parity by giving Espanyol an equally marginal spot kick that Raul Tamudo converted.

The visitors improved markedly after the break and wrapped up victory with a sweeping finish from Roberto Carlos, a Raul Bravo header and Ronaldo's dance around the goalkeeper after taking a pass from Esteban Cambiasso. Alberto Lopo struck late for Espanyol.

At Valencia, Barcelona racked up their fifth successive league win, and put a big dent in the home side's title hopes.

Former Valencia midfielder Gerard came off the bench to head the only goal from a Xavi corner in the 78th minute.

JOHN CHARLES: Wales international striker John Charles, dubbed the "gentle giant" by Italian fans during five prolific seasons with Juventus, died early on Saturday at the age of 72.

Born in Cwmdu near Swansea, Charles scored 147 goals for Leeds United in 200 games before moving to the Turin club in 1957 for a then British record of £65,000.

He became one of the greatest players to represent Juventus, notching 93 goals in 155 matches, and enjoyed the rare distinction of playing an entire career without being booked or sent off.