PRIMERA LIGA: Samuel Eto'o marked his return to the Barcelona starting line-up with a coolly-taken goal as the Spanish champions rediscovered their form to crush struggling Athletic Bilbao 3-0 at Camp Nou last night.

The Cameroon striker, who was returning after over four months out following knee surgery, scored his side's third goal when he drilled the ball low past the goalkeeper after latching on to a superb pass from Ronaldinho five minutes before the break.

With the rest of the top four only managing to draw their games, the win allowed the Catalans to open up a two-point lead at the head of the table.

SERIE A: Leaders Inter Milan put the disappointment of their midweek draw with Champions League rivals Valencia behind them with a 17th successive Serie A win yesterday - beating Catania 5-2 in Cesena.

Second-placed Roma dominated their match against Reggina at the Olympic Stadium - eventually winning 3-0.