Barcelona extend lead at the top

SPANISH PRIMERA LIGA: In the light of Real Madrid's defeat at Deportivo, Barcelona will be delighted with a 1-1 draw against Numancia who looked much happier in the icy conditions at Los Pajaritos.

Juanlu, who had an outstanding match in the Numancia midfield, put the basement side ahead just two minutes before half-time when he cracked in a spectacular free kick from close range. Barcelona equalised two minutes after the break through Mexico defender Rafael Marquez to extend their lead at the top to eighth points.

Real's title hopes took a severe dent with a second successive defeat against Deportivo Coruna, who have not lost to the Madrid side at the Riazor in over 13 years. Deportivo overwhelmed Real, with striker Albert Luque completing a sweeping passing move with an eighth-minute header. Real went 2-0 down four minutes later when centre-back Francisco Pavon looped a header into his own net after Victor had dinked in a cross from the right.

Sevilla moved up to third spot in the league despite being held to a 2-2 draw at home to Racing Santander yesterday.

Valencia who beat Real Betis 2-1 last night are fourth a point behind. Newly appointed Valencia coach Antonio Lopez got off to a winning start when his side fought their way back from a goal down to claim their first success in seven outings.

Lopez took charge when a beleaguered Claudio Ranieri was dismissed on Friday following his side's exit from the UEFA Cup at the hands of Steaua Bucharest. Last season's top scorer Mista notched the winner 18 minutes from time.

ITALIAN SERIE A: Inter Milan's 38-game unbeaten streak ended in cruel fashion with a defeat in the city derby against champions Milan. Inter dominated the first half, but Milan goalkeeper Dida pulled off a superb reflex save to keep out a Juan Sebastian Veron effort on the stroke of half-time.

Brazilian playmaker Kaka grabbed the winner midway through the second half when he turned Gennaro Gattuso's shot into the net from close range. The result keeps Milan at the top of the standings, equal on points with Juventus, though with a superior goal difference.

Alessandro Del Piero produced a lively display to lead his Juventus team mates to their most convincing win of 2005. The striker put Juventus ahead with a superb back-heel in the 35th minute.

Brazilian midfielder Emerson headed their second from a corner shortly after the break. Del Piero then wrapped up the result from the penalty spot after Emerson had been wrestled to the ground by Siena midfielder Taddei. Sampdoria's seventh win in 13 away games lifted them into the top four for the first time this season. After a quiet first half, Sampdoria turned up the pressure Brescia until the 76th minute, when a cleared corner dropped kindly for midfielder Max Tonetto to score.

Fiorentina remain perilously close to the relegation zone after earning only their fourth point in six matches. The twice Italian champions went 2-0 up in the first half hour against Udinese courtesy of goals by Valeri Bojinov and Luca Ariatti, only for a goal either side of half-time by Sulley Muntari and Antonio Di Natale to pull the visitors level.