Spanish title race: Sevilla 2-3 Real Madrid

1. Madrid move back within two points of Barca
2. Earlier, Barca won 8-0 at Cordoba
3. Sevilla lose 13-month unbeaten home record
4. FT: Sampdoria 0-1 Juventus
5. Juventus claim fourth straight Serie A title

Goodbye

Getty Images

Right that's a wrap for tonight. But make sure you return at 19:30 BST tomorrow when we will keep a beady eye on the French title race. See you then!

Phew! What a day of European football. What do you mean you missed it all?! Here's a recap...

• Luis Suarez scored his first hat-trick for Barcelona as they strolled to an emphatic 8-0 win at bottom side Cordoba
• French title hopefuls Lyon kept the pressure on leaders Paris St-Germain as they regained top spot in Ligue 1
• Juventus clinched their fourth straight Serie A title after a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Sampdoria
• Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich rested players as they slipped to only their third defeat of the season
• Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick as Real Madrid move back within two points of Barca with a narrow win at Sevilla

Race for the title

Spanish La Liga

Barca, who are also in the Champions League semi-finals and Copa del Rey final, know if they can manage to win their last four La Liga matches then they will regain the title from last season's gatecrashers Atletico Madrid.

However, even one draw could be enough to hand the trophy to arch-rivals Real, who would win their first Liga since 2012 if the teams finish level on points.

Spanish teams who finish level on points are separated by their head-to-head record - not goal difference - and Madrid have the superior record this season. Carlo Ancelotti's side won 3-1 at the Bernabeu, before losing 2-1 at the Nou Camp.

Madrid's title run-in

Spanish La Liga

Real Madrid's remaining Liga fixtures:

2 May: Sevilla (A)

9 May: Valencia (H)

16 May: Espanyol (A)

23 May: Getafe (H)

Barcelona's title run-in

Spanish La Liga

Barca's remaining Liga fixtures:

9 May: Real Sociedad (H)

16 May: Atletico Madrid (A)

23 May: Deportivo (H)

FULL-TIME

Tonight's trip to the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan was generally considered as Real Madrid's trickiest match in the Spanish title run-in. Barcelona, however, still have a testing trip to defending champions Atletico Madrid to look forward to....

FULL-TIME

Real Madrid are refusing to let Barcelona stroll towards the Liga title. Here's what their gutsy win at fifth-placed Sevilla means for the table...

BBC

FULL-TIME

BBC

Get involved

Some Body: Hmm, without #CR7, Real would be mid-table!

FULL-TIME

Madrid were made to battle for the three points in a nervous finish, but they have seen out the job required. The win, which also ends Sevilla's 13-month unbeaten home record, puts Carlo Ancelotti's side back within two points of arch-rivals Barcelona.

FULL-TIME

No dramatic leveller. Sevilla's left-wing corner is met by a Madrid head as the visitors clear. And that's it - all over!

INJURY TIME

Hang on - one last chance for Sevilla. Home corner in the final few seconds....

INJURY TIME

Cristiano Ronaldo is eating turf after taking a whack. He is grimacing, but more importantly is taking the sting out of Sevilla's hopes of earning a draw.

INJURY TIME

Three minutes of stoppage time for Madrid to hang on. Hang on in this game - and hang on to Barca's coat-tails in the Spanish title race.

More nervy defending from Real Madrid. Pepe's back header is glanced on by Sevilla's Denis Suarez towards team-mate Ever Banega, forcing Iker Casillas to race off his line to bravely snuff out the danger.

Back to the Sevilla goalmouth. A Madrid corner finds the head of Ronaldo, who draws a smart reaction save from home keeper Sergio Rico.

SUBSTITUTION

Another defensive change for Real Madrid. Alvaro Arbeloa races over to left-back position after shaking hands with team-mate Marcelo.

CLOSE!

Madrid are hanging on by their fingertips! There is an almighty goalmouth scramble in the Madrid six-yard box, with substitutes Kevin Gameiro and Denis Suarez both swiping at the ball. But the away side hang on....

SUBSTITUTION

Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti sacrifices attacking midfielder Isco for the more-defensive minded Asier Illarramendi. That tells you everything you need to know about this game...

Madrid go the attack, Toni Kroos's low shot towards the bottom corner easily saved. Sevilla battled back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Real's title rivals Barcelona last month. Can they do it again?

TEN TO GO

Spanish La Liga

Sevilla have the bit between their teeth now - can they find a leveller while Madrid are rattled? Substitute Kevin Gameiro dispossesses France team-mate Raphael Varane on the right flank, only to dally before crossing and allowing the Madrid defender to nick the ball back.

GOAL

Talk about an instant impact! Substitute Kevin Gameiro feeds Aleix Vidal down the right and in turn he cuts back to Vicente Iborra - and the other replacement calmly guides into the bottom corner. Game on again!

SUBSTITUTION

All or nothing for Sevilla now. Home coach Unai Emery decides to make a double change, French forward Kevin Gameiro and Vicente Iborra coming on for Carlos Bacca and Grzegorz Krychowiak.

Spanish La Liga

After earlier being responsible for Grzegorz Krychowiak's busted nose, it is Sergio Ramos' time for a soak of the magic sponge. Blood is pouring out of the Spain defender's nose following an accidental aerial clash.

Get involved

Mohsin: Bale with a fantastic introduction and a truly magnificent header by Ronaldo. Who said he just scores tap-ins?

Spanish La Liga

Sevilla 1, Cristiano Ronaldo 3. That's the Real Madrid man's sixth hat-trick of the season - and his 25th Liga treble since arriving at the Bernabeu in 2009.

GOAL

Reuters

What an impact from Gareth Bale! The world's most expensive player whips in a delicious right-wing cross with his first contribution, landing the ball right on the forehead of Cristiano Ronaldo. And theworld's best player does the rest. Ronaldo expertly sends a looping header over the reach of Sevilla keeper Sergio Rico into the far corner.

SUBSTITUTION

Spanish La Liga

The tracksuit is off - here's Gareth Bale. The Welshman comes on for Real Madrid, replacing Javier Hernandez.

Spanish La Liga

Sevilla midfielder Aleix Vidal races down the left, hurtles into the Madrid box, only to be superbly dispossessed by Pepe. Perfectly-timed challenge. That sets the platform for Madrid to attack again, a patient move ending in Toni Kroos shoot narrowly over the crossbar.

Spanish La Liga

End to end stuff at the moment. Sevilla's former QPR midfielder Stephane Mbia tries to chip to a team-mate when he appeared better placed to shoot, before Madrid threaten on the counter through James Rodriguez. That moves breaks down, allowing Sevilla to break again...

Spanish La Liga

Half chance for Cristiano Ronaldo as Real Madrid enjoy a decent spell of possession. A high ball is flung from deep on the left towards the Portuguese skipper at the far post, but his header lacks power to beat home keeper Sergio Rico.

Spanish La Liga

Sevilla stay on the front foot as they search for a leveller, but are unable to create another decent opening. In other news, Gareth Bale is warming up on the touchline...

Spanish La Liga

Getty Images

The chances are flowing more freely than the champagne at a swanky Turin bar tonight. Cristiano Ronaldo thumps a lazy free-kick into the home wall, then James Rodriguez sloppily gives away possession, allowing Sevilla to break on the counter. Argentine midfielder Ever Banega tears down the right flank, but cannot pick out a fellow white shirt with a low cross.

Spanish La Liga

The eyes of Jose Antonio Reyes light up as a poor Madrid defensive header bounces invitingly towards him about 15 yards out. But thankfully for the away team, it falls on his less-favoured right foot. The ex-Arsenal striker scoops over the away goal, but it has been a bright start to the second half from the hosts.

Spanish La Liga

Now it is the turn of Los Merengues to attack. Toni Kroos ventures forward and decides to shoot from distance - and he isn't far off. Sevilla keeper Sergio Rico is scrambling but is grateful to see the ball whistle out for a goal kick.

Spanish La Liga

Close! Sevilla continue to maintain a high tempo after half-time, harrying Madrid into conceding another corner. This time Stephan Mbia meets Jose Antonio Reyes' left-wing set-piece, flashing a bullet header just wide.

FULL-TIME

German Bundesliga

Having made six changes, Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich suffer only their third defeat of the season at the hands of Bayer Leverkusen. Hakan Calhanoglu put Leverkusen ahead with a free-kick, and Julian Brandt's goal on the break late on made the points safe. The Bundesliga champions have bigger fish to fry, though, with the first leg of their Champions League semi-final with Guardiola's old club Barcelona to come on Wednesday.

Sevilla need at least one goal but with Real's attacking threat you would hedge your bets that they will need more than one to even nab a point.

The home side earn a flurry of early corners, piling the pressure on to the second-place visitors.

KICK-OFF

Back under way in Sevilla. No changes for either side - although the camera does pan on to Madrid sub Gareth Bale as he retakes his seat.

Get involved

vaishnav: Real Madrid just need to be in their senses to make it a walk in the park.

HALF-TIME STATS

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Get involved

Stephen: It's a really big second half for Real Madrid now. Maybe an even bigger one for Barca!

HALF-TIME

And Bacca's spot-kick is the final kick of the first half. Even Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti - that mild-mannered man - is raging on the touchline. To say he is not happy would be an understatement as he disappears down the tunnel.

GOAL

Game on! No mistake from Carlos Bacca. The Colombian striker drills confidently down the middle from the spot to give Sevilla a lifeline that they should not have been given.

PENALTY TO SEVILLA

OMG! What is Sergio Ramos thinking?! The Madrid player has a moment of madness, scything through the back of Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca in the box. Yellow card and, more worryingly, penalty.

Half a chance for Sevilla in a goalmouth scramble - but Madrid clear. just One minute of added time.

Spanish La Liga

The Sevilla fans were creating a din when the game was goalless. Now the volume has been turned down in the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuán.

Spanish La Liga

Sid Lowe, the Guardian's Spanish football writer: Never know if it is decisive, of course, but Sevilla waiting so long to take decision on Krychowiak is baffling.

Spanish La Liga

Part of the reason why Madrid have managed to nab this lead is that Sevilla were down to 10 men. Poland midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak was still off the pitch, enabling the visitors to take advantage. Costly.

GOAL

Reuters

Where has this come from?! In a blink of eye, Madrid have gone from toiling at 0-0 to a comfortable two-goal lead. Cristiano Ronaldo pounces to poke in James Rodriguez's right-wing cross - that is his 41st league goal of the season.

GOAL

AP

Breakthrough for Madrid! And guess who scored it? Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar heads in from six yards after Isco puts a left-wing cross on a plate for him.

Appears to be some activity on the Sevilla bench. Poland midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak has taken a whack to the nose after an aerial clash with Madrid's former Sevilla man Sergio Ramos.

Get involved

Stephen: I can see Madrid dropping points tonight and Barca won't drop any now in the league!

Spanish La Liga

Now back come Real Madrid. Javier Hernandez slips into space down the right channel, squaring into the path of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Ballon d'Or winner sticks his foot on the ball to tap goalwards - but what's this?! A brilliant last-ditch tackle from Sevilla defender Daniel Carrico, that's what. Ronaldo was almost celebrating.

Spanish La Liga

Reuters

The game has settled down a touch after a frantic opening 25 minutes. But the home crowd, buoyed by their side's decent start, have not settled down. Very noisy inside the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.

Spanish La Liga

Sevilla carve another opportunity just seconds after Carlos Bacca's half-chance - and again the Colombian is the architect. Bacca holds his line well to pick up a throughball and whip in a tantalising cross from the right. Fellow forward Jose Antonio Reyes flings himself at the ball at the far post, but is just a couple of inches short to connect.

Spanish La Liga

Madrid keeper Iker Casillas needs to be alert once again, haring out of his goal to save at the feet of the onrushing Carlos Bacca. Sevilla are a threat on the attack.

Get involved

The life of a BBC Sport text commentator isn't always all it is cracked up to be. Especially when you don't brighten up our shift with some words of wisdom.

So, come on, don't be shy. How do you see the Spanish title race panning out? Where will Barca and Madrid drop points in the next few weeks? Who deserves the crown and, most importantly, why?

Tweet using #bbceurofooty or text 81111. Go, go, go!

Stat attack

Spanish La Liga

Sevilla have scored exactly twice in seven of their last eight home league meetings with Real Madrid.

Spanish La Liga

And just after I praised Madrid's attacking start, Los Merengues almost open up at the other end. Aleix Vidal latches on to Jose Antonio Reyes' throughball, forcing Iker Casillas to race off his line and block his shot from a tight angle. Then Raphael Varane is alert to boot clear the loose ball.

GREAT SAVE!

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There is no way on Earth that Madrid will match Barcelona's tally of eight away goals this afternoon, but they have started with attacking intent. Cristiano Ronaldo lurks in the six-yard box, touching Marcelo's cross towards goal. However, home keeper Sergio Rico smartly saves.

LINE-UPS

Quick reminder of the teams? You betcha.

Sevilla: Rico González, Figueiras, Carrico, Kolodziejczak, Trémoulinas, Krychowiak, Mbia, Vidal, Banega, Reyes, Bacca. Subs: Navarro , Gameiro, Iborra, Suárez, Machín, Andújar, Soria.

Madrid: Casillas, Carvajal, Pepe, Varane, Marcelo, Kroos, Ramos, Rodriguez, Isco, Ronaldo, Chicharito. Subs: Fabio Coentrão, Bale, Navas, Arbeloa, Nacho, Jesé, Illarramendi.

Spanish La Liga

Real Madrid free-kick about 25 yards out. You know who stood over the ball. Yep, Cristiano Ronaldo. But the Portuguese superstar balloons the ball over the home crossbar.

KICK-OFF

We've covered more miles than a low-budget aeroplane today. Now we're dashing back across the Mediterranean to focus on the Spanish title race again.

Earlier Barcelona thumped rock-bottom Cordoba in an 8-0 (eight) victory to go five points clear of arch-rivals Real Madrid. How can Madrid respond at fifth-placed Sevilla? Let's find out...

CHAMPAGNE MOMENT

Italian Serie A

It might be a 'champagne moment' for juve - but no champagne will be flowing tonight. They must stay sober and clear-headed for the small matter of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. And talking of Real Madrid...

Stat attack

Italian Serie A

Juventus have won the Scudetto with four matchdays to go for the first time since the three points were awarded for a win in Serie A.

JUVE WIN SERIE A

BBC

JUVE WIN SERIE A

Jubiliant scenes as the Juventus bench tears on to the pitch to celebrate with those 11 players left on it.. Hugs and smiles all round before the Bianconeri players grab hold of coach Massimiliano Allegri and hoist him into the air in delight.

CHAMPAGNE MOMENT - JUVE WIN SERIE A

Getty Images

Celebration time! Juventus only needed a point at Sampdoria to win their fourth straight Scudetto - but they have done it style by taking all three.

INJURY TIME

Italian Serie A

Three minutes of stoppage time left until Juventus clinch the Italian title. But they almost surrender the three points as Luis Muriel fires into the side-netting. Half the ground thought it was in, as Gigi Buffon gives his defence an earful.

GOAL

German Bundesliga

Oh hello - Leverkusen lead. Hakan Calhanoglu lines up a free kick which he expertly drills past Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer. The Germany international had no chance. Bayern have already wrapped up the title remember.

FINAL FIVE

Sampdoria's lack of confidence - they haven't won in five Serie A matches - is perfectly illustrated as Roberto Soriano shanks one high into the Genoa sky and over the Juventus bar from 15 yards out.

Five minutes left before the Old Lady scoops that Scudetto up into her arms for a record 31st time.

CLOSE!

German Bundesliga

Moments within the restart and German champions Bayern Munich almost nick a lead. Veteran Peru striker Claudio Pizarro, probably not best known for his inglorious spell at Chelsea between 2007 and 2009, fires goalwards as home keeper Leno goes down to smother his effort.

KICK-OFF

German Bundesliga

Team talks have finished, water has been drunk, oranges have been munched. Half-time is over as Bayer Leverkusen and champions Bayern Munich restart their Bundesliga match.

Italian Serie A

Carlos Tevez is giggling like a smitten schoolgirl as he rehydrates on the Juventus bench. Not sure what is tickling him. Probably the thought of getting his mitts on another Scudetto in about 15 minutes. That's how long Juve have got to see this game out and claim the Serie A title.

Inside the Barca dressing room

@LuisSuarez9

Luis Suarez notched the first hat-trick of his Barcelona career as they beat Cordoba 8-0 and tweeted a picture of himself with the match ball and his team-mates in the dressing room afterwards. Suarez also posted the message "Muy feliz por el triunfo y el primer hat-trick gracias a todo el equipo! Vamos Barca!" which translates as "Very happy for the victory and the first hat-trick thanks to all the team. Come on Barca!"

SUBSTITUTION

Italian Serie A

A flurry of substitutions as the game passes the 70-minute mark. Juventus top scorer Carlos Tevez is given a rest, clearly with Tuesday's Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid in mind, before experienced defender Giorgio Chiellini comes on to shore up their defence. Juve's intentions are clear - they want to see this one out with the minimum of fuss.

Italian Serie A

Reuters

Still an open and entertaining game in Genoa. Juventus take their turn to attack, with Carlos Tevez and Claudio Marchisio both stinging the palms of home keeper Emiliano Viviano.

HALF-TIME

German Bundesliga

Both defences are enjoying themselves in this pretty dour Bundesliga match. Nothing between fourth-placed Leverkusen and under-strength champions Bayern at the break.

CLOSE!

Italian Serie A

Sampdoria are not focusing on their summer break yet - they have a European place to play for. The home side waste a couple of chances in quick succession, Gonzalo Bergessio firing over from close range before Juve keeper Gigi Buffon is required to palm out an angled shot. The Italy veteran, eyeballs popping, screams in delight at maintaining his team's lead.

CLOSE!

Italian Serie A

As Rishi points out (see below entry), Juve have been very controlled and illustrate their composure with some patient build-up before fashioning a chance. The champions-elect string together about 30 passes before working space for Carlos Tevez. But the Serie A top scorer cannot add to his tally as home keeper Viviano saves low to his right.

Get involved

Rishi Verma: A controlled performance from Juve tonight, knowing we can go up a gear if we need to. Another scudetto awaits. So far so good

Italian Serie A

Sampdoria, who are fifth but have not won in their last five matches, are making a fight of this. Defender Lorenzo De Silvestri heads wide of the Juve goal, before Samuel Eto'o (I had almost forgotten the ex-Chelsea and Everton man was there) tries to turn in a loose ball from close range.

Madrid team news

Spanish La Liga

Gareth Bale is only fit enough to return to the Madrid bench following his recent calf injury, with in-form Manchester United loanee Javier Hernandez continuing up front.

Madrid XI: Casillas, Carvajal, Pepe, Varane, Marcelo, Kroos, Ramos, Rodriguez, Isco, Ronaldo, Chicharito.

KICK-OFF

The two teams have reappeared in Genoa. Game on - Juve are 45 minutes away from lifting the Scudetto. Again.

CLOSE!

German Bundesliga

Bayern may have rung the changes, but Pep's men almost take the lead thanks to one of their familiar faces. Mario Gotze spurns a golden opportunity, rounding Leverkusen keeper Leno before shooting goalwards. However, home defender Jedvaj scampers back to hack clear.

FULL-TIME

French Ligue 1

Full-time at the Stade Gerland and Lyon have got the three points in the bag thanks to Clement Grenier's free-kick and a penalty from Alexandre Lacazette.

Lyon regain top spot in Ligue 1 - on goal difference - and put some pressure on Paris St-Germain who face Nantes on Sunday.

German Bundesliga

While the Prosecco remains on ice in the Juventus dressing room (for another hour at least), German champions Bayern Munich have already been popping the corks in celebration.

Pep Guardiola's side tied up their third straight Bundesliga last week, allowing the ex-Barca boss to ring the changes for the dead rubber at Bayer Leverkusen. Bayern have the small matter of a Champions League semi-final at Guardiola's former club on Wednesday you may remember...

HALF-TIME STATS

BBC

HALF-TIME

And that extra 60 seconds passes very peacefully for all concerned. Referee Paolo Valeri calls time on the first half - Juve are 45 minutes away from the Serie A title!

INJURY TIME

The electronic board is hoisted into the Genoa air by the fourth official to reveal one minute of added time.

Italian Serie A

Plenty of whistles from the Sampdoria crowd when a Juventus shirt has possession of the ball. The home side fashion a chance through Vasco Regini, but he cannot trouble Juve stopper Gigi Buffon.

French Ligue 1

Into the final 10 minutes at Lyon, who are aiming to keep the pressure on French leaders Paris St-Germain. Lyon have not found the net since the break, but are not being offered many problems by their lowly visitors either.

Italian Serie A

Another chance for Juventus - and again the source is the right wing. The left side of Sampdoria's defence fails to close down away right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner again and the Switzerland international picks out the head of Fernando Llorente. But the Spaniard cannot keep his header down.

GOAL

Italian Serie A

Getty Images

Juventus only need a point to claim the Scudetto - but they are heading for all three. And the opening goal is as simple as they come. Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal peels off the back post - unmarked, I might add - to meet Stephan Lichsteiner's right-wing cross. Then it is a textbook header from Vidal back into the far bottom corner.

Italian Serie A

Juve are warming up to their task now. Firstly, Spain striker Fernando Llorente misses the target when well-placed, before Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal shoots low at the home keeper after Carlos Tevez wins back possession. Open game though.

Reuters

Stat attack

Italian Serie A

Juventus have lost only two of their last 12 away matches with Sampdoria in Serie A, winning six and drawing four.

Italian Serie A

Wondering why we haven't told you what is happening in Genoa yet? Because nothing much has happened in the opening exchanges. Juve are shading possession, but Sampdoria have been peppering the away goal with off-target shots.

FULL-TIME

Spanish La Liga

Of course, scoring all these goals doesn't really mean that much for Barcelona. Other than striking fear into Real Madrid from afar. That's because (and apologies to the European football aficionados who already know this) goal difference does not count if teams finish level in the Spanish top-flight.

Instead it goes down to head to head, with Real having the better record over Barca in their meetings this season - after winning 3-1 at the Bernabeu and losing 2-1 at the Nou Camp.

FULL-TIME

Spanish La Liga

What a seven days for Barcelona. Saturday, won the derby at Espanyol, put six past Getafe on Tuesday, then scored another eight on Saturday. Now they will probably chill on Sunday. Early 2000s R'n'B hero Craig David would be proud of that week.

Get involved

Paul Collins: Barca get a penalty, Messi and Suarez on hat tricks let Neymar take it. Neymar is lucky he isn't in Ronaldo's team

French Ligue 1

Over in France, title-chasing Lyon have just kicked off the second half of their match against relegation strugglers Evian.

Everything went Lyon's way in the first half and they are two goals to the good. Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso drew a foul from Evian defender Dany Nounkeu and referee Benoit Bastien pointed to the spot. Highly-rated France forward Alexandre Lacazette made no mistake with the penalty and fired past Benjamin Leroy to double their lead.

Lyon are aiming to move level with leaders PSG, who play tomorrow.

KICK-OFF

Italian Serie A

Game on in Genoa. Remember, Juventus are looking to earn the point needed to secure their fourth straight Italian title.

Spanish title race

BBC

FULL-TIME

Imagine the stunned silence on Real Madrid's luxury coach as Ronaldo, Bale and co watched that performance as they headed from the hotel to Sevilla's Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.

Barcelona are five points clear of their arch-rivals, who must respond with a win at fifth-placed Sevilla later (19:00 BST).

FULL-TIME

All over in Andalucia! And the home side are grateful to hear that final whistle. Leaders Barcelona were simply stunning as they blasted past La Liga's bottom side in a rampant second-half performance.

Over to you Real Madrid....

INJURY TIME

Two minutes of misery left for Cordoba, according to the fourth official.

GOAL

This is becoming absolutely ridiculous now. Barca move into an 8-0 (eight) lead as Luis Suarez is not denied his first hat-trick for the Catalan club. The Uruguayan pounces on a rebound from close range. If I was a Cordoba player I'd be having a word in the ref's ear to blow for full-time....

GOAL

Lionel Messi - and Luis Suarez - both decline the opportunity to net their hat-tricks, instead allowing the third leg of their goal-den tripod to stick his name on the scoresheet. Neymar confidently converts as Barca go five points clear at the top of La Liga in some style.

PENALTY TO BARCA

Oh dear, this is becoming embarrassing for Cordoba. The home side concede a penalty - is this Lionel Messi's chance to nab another matchball?

GOAL

Five days, two matches, 12 goals. Just another normal week for Barcelona. Lionel Messi pounces on a loose ball to knock in his second. That's 405 goals and counting for Barca's record scorer...

After that brief Cordoba attack, normal service is resumed. Barca break through the fresh legs of Pedro, who tees up Lionel Messi with a cross. But the Argentine cannot net his second header of the match as he nods wide.

Cordoba have barely stepped into Barcelona territory since the break, but string together a few passes to briefly threaten. Romanian forward Florin Andone smashes over the bar after a good build-up.

Chance for Luis Suarez to bag his hat-trick....into the side-netting. The Uruguayan collects a perfectly-weighted Xavi to catch a glimpse of the onion bag, only to miss the target.

GOAL

French Ligue 1

Lyon have dominated the the opening stages of their game with Evian at the Stade de Gerland and the pressure has finally told. Midfielder Clement Grenier, who has only recently returned to the Lyon side after six months out through injury, curls home a superb free-kick from the corner of the box. Visiting goalkeeper Benjamin Leroy got a hand on it but could not keep it out.

SUBSTITUTION

And following that fifth goal, Barca boss Luis Enrique decides it is time for his final tactical change. The Cordoba defenders might be praying to see the back of Luis Suarez or Lionel Messi, but instead it is Ivan Rakitic - who has scored one and set up one - who makes way. Another forward, Pedro, is the man who jogs on.

GOAL

Another cross, another header, another Barca goal. Easy as one, two, three. Gerard Pique completes the hat-trick of headed Barca goals since the break, climbing highest to meet Ivan Rakitic's corner for the fifth.

SUBSTITUTION

The fourth official is called into action again, trotting up to the touchline to reveal Barca a making a couple of changes.

Spain's World Cup-winning goalscorer Andres Iniesta receives a warm reception as he is replaced by another hero of that 2010 national team, Xavi. And Javier Mascherano also sees his number raised into the Andalucian air, he is coming off for French centre-back Jeremy Mathieu.

Cordoba coach Jose Romero tells Cameroon midfielder Patrick Ekeng to strip off. He's coming on for Luso, who has just been booked. Sure Ekeng is delighted at the prospect of trying to stop this Barca team...

Luis Suarez's second of the afternoon takes Barcelona to 10 goals in their last one-and-a-half Liga matches. Rampant.

GOAL

If it wasn't already game over, it is now. Luis Suarez heads in off the post - Dani Alves again the supplier from the right flank - for his seventh goal in his last six matches.

Barca are going five points clear of second-placed Real Madrid. Cordoba, who needed to win to avoid relegation today, are hearing the last rites.

Juve team news

Italian Serie A

Juventus are a point away from tying up their fourth straight Scudetto and kick off against fifth-placed Sampdoria in under an hour.

But, with a Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on Tuesday, Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri decides to rest the ageing legs of defender Giorgio Chiellini and midfielder Andrea Pirlo. The Italy veterans are both sat on the bench.

Juve XI: Buffon, Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Padoin, Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro, Pereyra, Tevez, Llorente.

GOAL

Less than a minute into the second half and Barcelona have a third! And, a day after the 10th anniversary of his first Barca goal, Lionel Messi gets in on the act. The Argentine uses his head to meet Dani Alves' cross with a perfectly-timed run and nod in his 50th goal of the season.

KICK-OFF

Both sets of players are back out in the Andalucian sun, the referee does a quick head count and then blows his whistle to signal the start of the second half.

Change for the home side too, Adrian Gunino replaces the injured Jose Angel Crespo.

French title race - as it stands

French Ligue 1

BBC

KICK-OFF

That's because Lyon have just kicked off against relegation battlers Evian.

Hubert Fournier's side will reclaim top spot on goal difference with a win today, and with four games of the season left he believes it is possible they can beat PSG, who travel to Nantes tomorrow, to the title.

"It can happen. They have two potentially tricky away games, where it's not easy to win," Fournier told Lyon's website before kick-off. "We have to do the necessary to take advantage of it if they do drop points."

French Ligue 1

Barcelona are not the only European title-chasing side in action. Oh no. French outfit Lyon are out on the Stade de Garland pitch about to continue their pursuit of defending champions Paris St-Germain...

HALF-TIME

BBC

Join the debate at #bbceurofooty

John McEnerney: Barcelona should hold on till the end. They've peaked at the right time and integrated new players in key positions well. May win the Champions League too!

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HALF-TIME

And should Barca hold on to their lead - which even the most optimistic Cordoba fan would not bet against - then they will move five points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. Les Merengues go to fifth-placed Sevilla a little later (19:00 BST) remember.

HALF-TIME

If Barca coach Luis Enrique isn't heaving a huge sigh of relief as he disappears down the tunnel, then he should be. Barca, despite dominating possession and territory, toiled against their rock-bottom hosts before, not one, two breakthroughs in the closing stages of the half.

GOAL

There is no stopping Luis Suarez at the moment! The Uruguay striker collects Andres Iniesta's sumptuous lofted pass to poke past the Cordoba keeper from close range. That's six goals in six matches for the ex-Liverpool man...

Poor Cordoba. Not only have they conceded at a crucial stage of the match, but they are also staring relegation in the face. That will confirmed today if they don't grab a win...

GOAL

Breakthrough! Lionel Messi is the provider, scooping a delicious pass over the Cordoba defence towards the back stick, allowing Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic to control before smashing in a vicious half-volley.

I've been waiting to write this line for about 10 minutes - and now I can. Barca had scored FIVE times at this stage on Tuesday when they thumped Getafe at the Nou Camp. They would have settled for just one of those today....

HITS THE WOODWORK

Barca work their best opening of the match as Neymar sends a tame daisycutter scuttling towards the bottom corner of the Cordoba net. But the post comes to the home side's rescue! Still they survive...

Getty Images

All gone a little quiet at El Arcangel. Still Barca probe, still Cordoba hold firm. Can they get to the break level?

Are we all bored of the 'parking the bus' analogy yet? Unfortunately I can't think of another to describe Cordoba's dogged defensiveness so that will have to do. The hosts are throwing men behind the ball in numbers, and it is proving a difficult barrier for the Spanish leaders to sneak past.

Still all Barcelona as the clock ticks past the half hour mark. The Catalan giants are hogging the ball with a whopping 73% of possession, but can't find a gap in this well-drilled home defence. Yet....

Getty Images

Time for some Messi magic? Almost. The Argentine superstar slaloms through the home defence like an Olympic skier, only to run out of stem and send a weak shot rolling into the hands of Cordoba keeper Juan Carlos.

Cordoba are far from scared of the Spanish leaders though. The home side go on the offensive, with Jose Angel Crespo (no relation to ex-Argentina striker Hernan) shooting straight at Barca keeper Claudio Bravo and Florin Andone unable to connect cleanly when well placed inside the away box.

Still the Barca half-chances are flowing - but Cordoba, who have conceded 53 goals this term, look reasonably solid. Barca right-back Dani Alves shoots over after a short corner from Ivan Rakitic.

I'm pleased to report Cordoba striker Florin Andone has popped another lense into his eye - will that improve his sight of the Barca goal? We will see. Anyway, back to the game, and it is the visitors who carve the next chance. Left-back Jordi Alba bursts forward to supply Lionel Messi. Short back lift, connects cleanly, Cordoba defender blocks again.

Cordoba striker Florin Andone is feeling about on the lush turf with his hands - it looks as though he has lost a contact lens! Nightmare. As someone who is also visually-impaired, I feel his pain. Nothing worse than scrambling about the bathroom floor on your hands and knees looking for a tiny piece of plastic while squinting with one eye.

Get involved

Yo: Real Madrid to win La Liga, Barca will lose points against Atletico Madrid!

Lionel Messi is wearing his dancing shoes today. The fleet-footed Argentine tries to jink into space inside the Cordoba box, after being picked out by Ivan Rakitic, before deciding to pull the trigger. However, a home defender throws his body in the way and Cordoba survive.

BBC

A decent start to the game from leaders Barca, despite that slight glimpse of the goal they allowed to Cordoba (although it was an illegal sight). The Blaugrana, as we have come to expect over the years, are dominating possession and territory.

Hang on! We might be talking down Cordoba too soon. The home side, who are bottom of La Liga and will be relegated if they lose, find an opening in the Barca box. Romanian forward Florin Andone escapes the clutches of Barca centre-backs Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano, only to head over the crossbar. Oh, and he was offside anyway.

Is anyone backing a home win here? The statistics are not in Cordoba's favour....

BBC Sport

Barely three minutes have ticked by on the clock before Barca create their first chance. Marauding right-back Dani Alves picks out his fellow Brazilian Neymar, who cannot keep his close-range volley down. Big miss!

Line-ups

Cordoba: Juan Carlos, Jose Crespo, Edimar Fraga, Inigo Lopez, Deivid, Pantic, Luso, Krhin, Fidel, Bebe, Andone. Subs: Ekeng, Heldon, Cartabia, Mikel Saizar, Gunino, Abel Gomez, Fede Vico.

Barcelona: Bravo, Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba, Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta, Suarez, Messi, Neymar. Subs: Ter Stegen, Xavi, Pedro, Rafinha, Bartra, Adriano, Mathieu.

Bottom v top is under way in the Andalucian sunshine. Barca can't slip up here, can they?

A loud fanfare blasts out of the PA system at El Arcangel as the supporters climb to their feet to applaud. Both teams are strolling out of the tunnel. Almost show-time...

La Liga title race

Spanish La Liga

Real Madrid's remaining Liga fixtures:

2 May: Sevilla (A)

9 May: Valencia (H)

16 May: Espanyol (A)

23 May: Getafe (H)

La Liga title race

Spanish La Liga

Barcelona's remaining Liga fixtures:

2 May: Cordoba (A)

9 May: Real Sociedad (H)

16 May: Atletico Madrid (A)

23 May: Deportivo (H)

Get involved

The life of a BBC Sport text commentator isn't always all it is cracked up to be. Especially when you don't brighten up our shift with some words of wisdom.

So, come on, don't be shy. How do you see the Spanish title race panning out? Where will Barca and Madrid drop points in the next few weeks? Who deserves the crown and, most importantly, why?

Tweet using #bbceurofooty or text 81111. Go, go, go!

Barca's talented triumvirate

BBC

Barca team news

With the Champions League semi-final against German champions Bayern Munich on the horizon, could Barca rest any of their talented triumvirate for the trip to rock-bottom Cordoba? Nope.

Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez all start. I'd imagine there are a few pairs of sweaty palms in the home dressing room right now.

Barcelona XI: Bravo, Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba, Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta, Suarez, Messi, Neymar.

@sidlowe/Twitter

Sid Lowe, the Guardian's Spanish football writer: Andalucian double header. Act One, Cordoba-Barcelona....

Today's action

Cordoba v Barcelona (15:00 BST)

Lyon v Evian (16:00 BST)

Sampdoria v Juventus (17:00 BST)

Bayer Leverkusen v Bayern Munich (17:30 BST)

Sevilla v Real Madrid (19:00 BST)

Elsewhere in Europe

EPA

And the excitement doesn't end there. In between today's Barcelona and Real Madrid matches, we will be dashing over to Italy as Juventus need just a point to clinch their fourth straight Serie A title.

Throw in a sprinkling of French title action, plus a sample of Germany, and we have a tasty European dish laid before our eyes. So here's the full menu....

Enough of the boxing analogies. We're talking strictly football from now on.

Unfortunately, on the day of the biggest fight the world has ever seen, the heavyweight titans of Barcelona and Real Madrid are not going head to head.

But that doesn't mean there isn't a hell of a fight on. Leaders Barca are two points ahead of their arch-rivals Madrid with just four rounds of blood, sweat and tears left.

BBC

Getty Images

Nope, you haven't landed on the wrong page - we aren't starting our build-up to Mayweather v Pacquiao 12 hours earlier. There's enough hype for that fight already.

So instead let's build up another title scrap. But these two giants aren't no welterweights.

In the blue and red corner, weighing in with the expectation of an estimated 340m worldwide on their shoulders, with 15 wins and a draw from their last 16 matches... Barcelona.

In the white corner, aiming for a record 33rd title, with seven wins and a draw in their last eight.... Real Madrid.

Getty Images

*Adopts voice of legendary boxing announcer Michael Buffer*

For the thousands watching live, and the millions watching from across the world, this is the fight you have wanted to see.

Two opponents who are considered as the best of their generation. But who will be victorious in 2015?

Fans are you ready? L-l-l-l-let's get ready to rumbl-l-l-l-le!