EUROPEAN SOCCER ROUND-UP:INTER MILAN surged seven points clear at the top of Serie A after Diego Milito and Maicon struck to seal a 2-0 win at lowly Livorno yesterday.

The champions were able to extend their advantage after joint-second placed Sampdoria drew 0-0 in an action-packed game with Bari, a day after Juventus lost 3-2 to Napoli.

Livorno, who had won two out of two under new coach Serse Cosmi, had the better of the first half with Antonio Candreva’s free kick forcing Julio Cesar into a stunning one-handed save.

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho started Samuel Eto’o on the bench with one eye on Wednesday’s Champions League clash at Dynamo Kiev but had to bring the striker on at half-time for debutant Rene Krhin with his side labouring.

The effect was immediate with Livorno’s defence dropping back and allowing Argentina’s Milito to fire into the corner.

Brazil right back Maicon then charged forward in his inimitable style to fire home a left-foot shot 10 minutes from time.

Meanwhile, in Spain, league leaders Barcelona were denied victory in dramatic circumstances at Osasuna on Saturday as Gerard Pique put through his own net deep into injury time to give the hosts an unexpected point.

Pique was attempting to clear the ball after a Rafa Marquez error had let in Javier Camunas, but the Spain defender could only divert the ball into his own net and Barca were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Seydou Keita’s strike midway through the second half had looked enough to send the Catalans on their way to an eighth victory in nine league games.

Barcelona remain top, although only by a point after Gonzalo Higuain struck both goals as 10-man Real Madrid produced a superb performance to see off local rivals Getafe 2-0 and end a traumatic week on a high.

Madrid went into the match under huge pressure following Tuesday’s humiliating 4-0 Copa del Rey loss at third tier Alcorcon – their third defeat in five games – and with Spanish media speculating that coach Manuel Pellegrini’s job was on the line.

And when Madrid centre-back Raul Albiol was shown a straight red card in the 27th minute, it looked set to be another night of misery for the big-spending Spanish giants.

Higuain, however, stood up to be counted and proved the difference as Madrid turned in what proved to be an impressive performance.