Football: Milan derby level on goals and controversy

Ronaldo and Andre Cruz struck second-half penalties as the Serie A leaders Internazionale and Milan shared the honours in a 2-2 draw in Saturday's big derby in Italy.

Both penalties were controversially awarded, Andre Cruz's for Milan coming 11 minutes from time, when Demetrio Albertini appeared to dive over the outstretched leg of Ze Elias. Ronaldo had won his when he he contrived to fall under a challenge from Zvonimir Boban.

Earlier George Weah's first goal in a Milan derby had cancelled out one from Diego Simeone. It left Milan, their early season crisis clearly behind them, eighth in the table but still eight points adrift of their city rivals. Juventus missed their chance to go top when they also eked out a 2-2 draw, at home to Parma yesterday.

Barcelona, who play host to Newcastle in the Champions' League on Wednesday, surrendered what three weeks ago was a seven-point lead in the Spanish League when they lost 1-0 at Oviedo, while Real Madrid drew 1-1 at Athletic Bilbao to go top on goal difference. Barcelona had Fernando Couto sent off in the 67th minute when he conceded the penalty from which Roberto Pompei scored.

When Barca won a penalty themselves with 10 minutes remaining, Rivaldo hit a post. They finished the match with nine men after Josep Guardiola was sent off for a second bookable offence.