Weekend round-up: Contenders hold their nerve

Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München extended their leads in their respective domestic leagues on a weekend where most of Europe's major title contenders secured victory.

Five-star Arsenal
English Premiership leaders Arsenal were given an early boost on Saturday with the news that Manchester United FC had been held 1-1 at lowly Bolton Wanderers FC, the visitors needing a last-minute Ole Gunnar Solksjær goal to salvage a point. And the Londoners took full advantage by sweeping to a 5-1 victory at Manchester City FC, their first four goals coming in the first 18 minutes through Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires, Thierry Henry and Sol Campbell. Patrick Vieira added a fifth before Nicolas Anelka's late consolation.

Newcastle in contention
United now trail Arsenal by five points, but Newcastle United FC remain in contention, a further three points behind with a game in hand, after a 3-0 win at Leeds United AFC. Kieron Dyer scored twice for Sir Bobby Robson's side and Alan Shearer was also on target. Fourth-placed Chelsea FC lost 2-1 at home to Blackburn Rovers FC, and were joined on 48 points by Everton FC, who beat Southampton FC 2-1.

Lead stretched
Bayern are now ten points clear with 12 games to go in the 1. Bundesliga thanks to a 2-0 win against 1. FC Nürnberg. Bixente Lizarazu and Giovane Elber scored to give Bayern victory, while second-placed BV Borussia Dortmund fell further behind following a 2-2 draw at FC Schalke 04. Schalke led 2-0 after just 16 minutes, but Jan Koller and Ewerthon levelled matters before half-time for Dortmund, who had goalkeeper Jens Lehmann sent off for a second yellow card eleven minutes from the end.

Milan match abandoned
Juventus FC and Internazionale FC remain level on points at the top of Serie A after both securing 3-1 wins. Como Calcio lost to Juventus in a home fixture played at Piacenza FC's Galleana stadium, while Inter overcame Piacenza at home. AC Milan are yet to discover if they are still within two points of the leaders as their game at struggling Torino Calcio was abandoned on 64 minutes, with the visitors leading 3-0. Tear gas used to quell a pitch invasion affected several players, leaving them unable to continue. No decision has yet been made as to whether Milan will be awarded the points.

Back on top
Real Madrid CF briefly overhauled Real Sociedad at the summit of the Primera División after beating Real Valladolid 3-1 on Saturday. But, within 24 hours, Real were back on top as they ended a four-game winless spell with a 2-0 victory against Club Atlético Osasuna. Valencia CF, like Madrid, are still two points behind Real following a 4-0 win at Rayo Vallecano. RC Deportivo La Coruña overcame their UEFA Champions League defeat at FC Basel with a 6-0 victory against Deportivo Alavés, while resurgent FC Barcelona defeated Real Betis Balompié 4-0.

Marseille stay ahead
Olympique de Marseille defended their French Ligue 1 lead on Saturday with a 2-0 home win against Lille OSC, Ibrahima Bakayoko and Pascal Johansen maintaining their unbeaten record at the Stade Vélodrome. AS Monaco FC are still two points behind in second place after their 3-1 win at home to AJ Auxerre on Saturday, while champions Olympique Lyonnais remain third thanks to a 3-1 victory against lowly Stade Rennais FC.

Run ends
PFC CSKA Sofia's winning start to the Bulgarian Premier League season ended in their first post-winter break fixture as they were held 1-1 at PFC Spartak Varna. CSKA, who had won their first 13 matches, now lead PFC Levski Sofia by six points.