Juventus stretch lead Serie A lead to six points with win over Cagliari
Juventus 3-1 Cagliari: Paulo Dybala scored the Old Lady's opener in the very first minute of the match
Paulo Dybala's strike inside the opening minute set Juventus on course for their 10th win of the Serie A campaign, although Cagliari made things uncomfortable for Massimiliano Allegri's men.
After seeing nearest rivals Inter Milan romp to victory against Genoa earlier in the day, the Bianconeri restored their six-point cushion at the top of the standings with a 3-1 triumph at the Allianz Stadium.
Juventus got off to the dream start as Dybala struck inside the opening minute, but Cagliari came back into proceedings and levelled superbly though Joao Pedro.
But the Sardinians were level for just 125 seconds as Filip Bradaric scored an own goal, with the midfielder perhaps fortunate not to give away a penalty shortly afterwards.
Cristiano Ronaldo rattled the woodwork at the end of a first half that was followed by a far-less interesting second period, with the Portuguese setting up Juan Cuadrado for a late third.
While it was not an entirely convincing display, it acted as a solid warm-up for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Manchester United.
Allegri's side will seal progress to the last-16 if they avoid defeat against a United side that were undone at Old Trafford by Dybala, who needed just 42 seconds to break the deadlock on Saturday night.
Cagliari's ball down the left flank was picked off and the Argentina international was played in, smartly turning away from two defenders and striking low past goalkeeper Alessio Cragno despite the forward slipping.
It was an ideal start that Douglas Costa quickly tried to add to, but Juventus' comfort began to wane along with their intensity.
Medhi Benatia was adjudged not to have handled before Wojciech Szczesny impressively thwarted Leonardo Pavoletti, with Cagliari's purpose eventually rewarded in the 36th minute.
Pedro brought down the ball superbly in the box and continued to strike a low effort inside the near post - a wonderful goal that was soon undone as Costa's cross from the left was inadvertently turned home by Bradaric.
Matters could have perhaps been even worse before half-time.
The video assistant referee advised official Maurizio Mariani to watch an incident when Bradaric appeared to handle in the box but - after several replays - he decided against a spot-kick.
Ronaldo rattled the post from an acute angle in stoppage time, with a thrilling first half making way for a tepid second.
With Juventus only holding a one-goal advantage, there was still hope for Cagliari and Allegri turned to a back three in the final stages to see things out.
The visitors were pushing for a leveller, only to be caught out by Juventus' rapid attackers.
Cuadrado put Ronaldo through down the right, with the star man unselfishly feeding back into the path of the Colombian to sweep home.
PA
Relive all the action below.
80 mins: Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Barcelona
Into the last ten minutes here at Vallecas and Rayo look the more likely of either side to get the next goal. The hosts have really picked up their game this half, but they are reminded of the frontline they are defending against, with the goalkeeper getting down to deny Suarez.
90 min: Juventus 3-1 Cagliari
Three minutes added on at the Allianz Stadium.
Full Time: Juventus 3-1 Cagliari
That's 14 undefeated for Max Allegri's Juventus with that win. It all started early through Paulo Dybala, but despite Joao Pedro's equaliser, Juventus had enough in the tank to get the win thanks to a Bradaric own goal and Juan Cuadrado's late strike.
The Old Lady reopen a six-point gap at the top of the Serie A table, while Cagliari suffer their first defeat in four games.
GOAL! Rayo Vallecano 2-2 Barcelona (Dembele 87')
That's harsh on the hosts but what a finish from the Frenchman, who had had a quiet game until now. He meets Gerard Pique's knockdown on the half-volley and finds the bottom corner with a crisp left-foot strike.
GOAL! Rayo Vallecano 2-3 Barcelona (Suarez 90')
Heartbreak for the hosts. A hopeful cross towards the back post is met by the Uruguayan, who slides in and finishes past the goalkeeper at the near post.
90 min: Rayo Vallecano 2-3 Barcelona
Four minutes added on for Rayo to rescue something from this.
Full Time: Rayo Vallecano 2-3 Barcelona
So Barcelona do take advantage of Atletico's slip-up, but only just.
After opening the scoring, Luis Suarez's last-gasp winner left a dogged Rayo empty handed.
The hosts more than played their part, turning a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead through Pozo and Alvaro Garcia.
They held that lead until the final five minutes, when Ousmane Dembele equlaised before Suarez's final act.
What an evening of European football, eh?
Juventus kept their nerve to see off Cagliari 3-1 thanks to goals from Dybala, a Bradaric own goal and Cuadrado. Joao Pedro's equlaiser ten minutes before the break did give Max Allegri's side a scare but they eventually came through.
Barcelona were involved in a thriller in Madrid, going 1-0 up before having the table turned on them and trailing 2-1 midway through the second half.
Ousmane Dembele and Luis Suarez rescued the Catalan giants to give them all three points and extend their lead at the top of the table to four points.
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