Barcelona didn't manage to score in their Champions League semi-final against Chelsea midweek, but they certainly made up for it at the weekend with a record 2-6 victory against eternal rivals Real Madrid. No away side had ever scored six in the history classic "derby" games, but after Higuaín opened the scoring for the Merengues, two each from Henry and Messi and another two from Puyol and Piqué virtually ensured Barça the league title this year.

Sevilla ended a run of four defeats in a row by beating Villarreal 0-2, Luis Fabiano and Kanouté getting the goals to consolidate third spot. And Atlético Madrid are still in line for a Champions League place after a 0-2 victory at Betis, with Diego Forlán scoring twice to move up level with David Villa, just two behind Eto'o for the league Pichichi title. Elsewhere goals from Pandiani and Bilic were not enough to give their respective sides the victories they needed to move away from the relegation spots, and both look like they will battling right down to the last day. (04.05.09)