The Sport Matrix: Monday 24 March 2014

Messi hat-trick as Barca win thriller

Barcelona beat 10-man rivals Real Madrid 4-3 at the Bernabeu in an entertaining El Clásico. Lionel Messi scored three, two of which were penalties, as Sergio Ramos was sent off in the second half. Cristiano Ronaldo netted a spot-kick of his own in the La Liga showdown. MORE

In-demand Goneva inspires Leicester

Vereniki Goneva produced one of the performances of the Premiership campaign in Leicester’s 45-15 win against Exeter yesterday. The Fijian wing, who is wanted by French side Castres, scored a try and had a big hand in two others. MORE

Massaro secures first world title

Laura Massaro became the first Englishwoman in 15 years to win the World Championship squash title with a five-set victory over Egyptian Nour El Shourbini yesterday. The World No 2 also holds the British Open title.

Sigurdsson strikes in Spurs comeback

Gylfi Sigurdsson scored in added time as Tottenham came from 2-0 down to beat Southampton 3-2 at White Hart Lane yesterday. Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana struck in a fine first half for the Saints, but a Christian Eriksen double set Spurs on their way before the late winner. MORE

Lumb: I wanted to go off after lightning

England’s Michael Lumb admitted he was scared by the lightning that put an end to the game with New Zealand. “I wasn’t too happy about it,” said the opener, after the umpires allowed the teams to play on momentarily. “I was ready to go off.” MORE

Hughes delight as Stoke thump Villa

Stoke City look to have secured Premier League survival after a comfortable 4-1 victory against Aston Villa. Christian Benteke opened the scoring at Villa Park, but the visitors struck back with goals from Peter Odemwingie, Peter Crouch, Steven N’Zonzi and Geoff Cameron. MORE

Murray back on form to beat Lopez

Andy Murray eased past the challenge of Feliciano Lopez to advance to the fourth round of the Miami Masters. The Scot’s former coach Ivan Lendl was in the crowd showing his support as the defending champion won in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1. MORE

Opinion: Sam Wallace

What happened to Kieran Gibbs on Saturday was a bad mistake, but life goes on. The solution? Referee better. But add in-game video reviews to English football and the game changes for ever. MORE

Arsenal hope for double ban success

Arsenal are confident their appeal against Kieron Gibbs’ red card at Chelsea will succeed while they also believe Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s prospective ban should be rescinded. The duo were mixed up by Andre Marriner in the 6-0 loss, with the referee apologising yesterday. MORE

Froome braced for tough Catalan race

Chris Froome starts his biggest challenge prior to the Tour de France itself today in the Tour of Catalonia. The seven-day race includes many of the top riders, including Alberto Contador, while it also features two mountain-top finishes. MORE