Football / European Round-Up: Barcelona in the clear

THE see-saw at the top of the Spanish League rocked back in favour of Barcelona yesterday as they beat Cadiz

4-1, and Real Madrid only managed a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano. Barcelona's victory came courtesy of Bulgarian Hristo Stoichkov's first goal in 10 weeks, and it opens up a one-point lead with six games remaining. Deportivo La Coruna, in third place, are now six points behind the leaders.

Marseille closed in on their fifth consecutive French League title with a 3-2 win at Caen. Marseille were twice behind, but a second goal from Abedi Pele, seven minutes from time, extended their lead to three points. Monaco, who were their nearest rivals, fell further behind by losing 1-0 to Paris St Germain who replaced them in second place.

PSV Eindhoven's league hopes were given a boost by their traditional rivals, Ajax, who beat second-placed Feyenoord 5-2 yesterday. PSV beat Go Ahead Eagles 2-0 and have a one- point lead and a game in hand over Feyenoord.