Football / European Round-Up: Koeman at the double

OF THE six teams struggling for air atop the closely contested Spanish League, Barcelona yesterday edged ahead - on goal difference only - after a 4-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano, writes Owen Slot. Ronald Koeman and Guillermo Amor scored two each to move the Catalans above Deportivo La Coruna who beat Athletico Madrid 1-0. Real Madrid missed the chance to join them after losing 2-1 at Sporting Gijon, having gone 1-0 up through Robert Prosinecki. Seville, previous League leaders, slipped 2-1 at Celta.

Feyenoord gained a notable 3-1 win at PSV Eindhoven after a series of polished attacks, two virtuoso goals from Gaston Taument and another from Regi Blinker. Nii Lamptey produced PSV's only reply; Feyenoord are a point clear at the top of the Dutch League.

A late, diving header by George Weah gave Paris-St-Germain victory over St Etienne and increased their lead in the French League to four points. PSG's reputation for finishing strongly in the closing stages of the game was not matched by second-placed Bordeaux, who lost 1-0 at Lens, or by third-placed Monaco who drew 1-1 at Metz. Of the other main chasers, Auxerre thrashed Lille 5-0, and Marseille regained some self esteem with a 3-0 win at neighbours Martigues.