English Premier League giant, Manchester United, and Italian Serie A leader, Juventus all secured vital wins while Spanish side, Barcelona fresh from a two-all draw with Celta Vigo over the weekend recorded yet another draw.
United brushed Brighton aside three-nil with a vibrant all-round display as their pursuit of a Champions League place gathered further momentum.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side dominated the contest at the Amex Stadium and extended their unbeaten run to 15 games to move up to fifth in the Premier League, two points adrift of Chelsea.
Teenager Mason Greenwood bamboozled Seagulls defender Lewis Dunk with quick footwork and drilled in an accurate opener for the visitors.
United was ruthless in the final third as midfield playmaker Bruno Fernandes, who was highly impressive once again, netted via a deflection, then volleyed in to finish a swift counter-attack.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning long-range strike helped defending champions Juventus beat Genoa 3-1 as the Italian giants maintained their four-point advantage at the top of Serie A.
After a goalless first half, Paulo Dybala’s fine solo effort put Juventus ahead five minutes after the restart.
Ronaldo then got his 24th goal of the season with a fierce 25-yard strike.
Douglas Costa curled home a third before Andrea Pinamonti hit a consolation.
Despite Lionel Messi scoring the 700th goal of his career with a Panenka penalty in Barcelona’s La Liga draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
The goal had put Barcelona 2-1 up but Atletico hit back to draw 2-2.
The Spanish giants’ all-time top scorer hit the landmark goal for club and country by gently chipping the ball into the net as Jan Oblak dived the wrong way.
Barca remains second, one point behind Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.
