The assumption Spurs would bury Sunderland was universally made

The Eagles play Brighton tomorrow night

Four times these teams were in and out of the bottom three as Barnsley, who knew they were down if they lost, twice went ahead and Huddersfield, who could not breathe easily unless they at least claimed a draw, twice equalised.

The Championship is yet again proving why it is one of the most competitive leagues in Europe - only three of Saturday’s fixtures are of no consequence with 12 teams realistically still having something to play for.

Both sides took single faltering steps in the right direction at The Den, but neither Crystal Palace nor Millwall looked desperately deserving of their eventual target. This tense but technically dismal derby should mean celebratory Saturdays for the two south London sides, but they are not ending the season with a flourish.

Escaping drop into League One looks unlikely

Darren Ferguson had his own distinct – but still familiar – take on it: "twitchy bum time".

The Hoops take on Reading this weekend with one side certain to be relegated this weekend

Watford face battle to catch Hull City for second automatic promotion place after shut-out

Watford beat Hull to close the gap on second

Lionel Messi's 73rd-minute goal for Barcelona at Celta Vigo wrote yet another chapter in the record book he has single-handedly filled with eye-popping achievements. It was the 19th consecutive La Liga match in which he has scored, the first time the feat has ever been achieved against 19 different clubs. Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo scored against every other La Liga side in 2011-12, but not in successive games. There was one disappointment for Messi – Celta Vigo equalised and it ended 2-2.

Millwall won 1-0 at Ewood Park in their quarter-final replay

Wenger backs side to produce shock result in Munich

Life Beyond the Premier League