SOCCER:BARCELONA'S ADVANTAGE over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga was cut to five points when they surrendered the lead and were held to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling clash at Sevilla last night.

Pep Guardiola’s side looked to be cruising after substitute Bojan Krkic put Barca ahead in the 30th minute at the Sanchez Pizjuan. However, after Alvaro Negredo held off two defenders and crossed for Jesus Navas to nod in the equaliser four minutes after half-time the match burst into life, with both sides coming close to snatching a winner. Andres Iniesta crashed a shot off the crossbar with just under five minutes remaining and had a shot cleared off the line in added time after Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes had saved brilliantly from Jesus Navas.

Karim Benzema scored twice to lead Real Madrid to a comfortable 2-0 home win over lowly Hercules in La Liga on Saturday as they rested players ahead of Wednesday’s visit of Olympique Lyon in the Champions League. The in-form French striker netted in the 24th minute and doubled the lead with a superb solo effort just after the restart, making it eight goals in his last six matches.

Third-placed Valencia’s midweek exit from the Champions League appeared to have taken its toll as Unai Emery’s side slumped to a 4-0 defeat at struggling Real Zaragoza. Jiri Jarosik, Ander Herrera and two penalties from Gabi sank the visitors, who finished with 10 men, to leave them on 54 points, 16 short of Real.

Two goals from Sergio Aguero failed to earn Atletico Madrid a win at relegation-threatened Almeria, as the hosts twice fought back to level it 2-2. Aguero scored from a Thiago pass just before the break and fired in a solo goal to restore their lead in the 61st minute after Albert Crusat had levelled for Almeria with a fierce volley. Henok Goitom headed a deserved equaliser for the home side 13 minutes from time.