FIFA.com

Gonzalo Higuain scored the only goal in the first half as Real Madrid maintained their title charge with a 1-0 home win over Racing Santander.

Sir Alex Ferguson has told his Manchester United side they must avoid any slip-ups in their pursuit of Chelsea, and heaped praise on Darren Fletcher.

A stunning volley from Darren Fletcher set Manchester United on their way to a 3-0 win over Everton that kept them in touch with leaders Chelsea.

Goals from Diego Milito, Mario Balotelli and Esteban Cambiasso earned Inter Milan a 3-1 win at Bologna that sent them eight points clear at the Serie A summit.

Mesut Ozil inspired Werder Bremen to a 6-0 defeat of Freiburg that sent them top of the Bundesliga, while Schalke and Hoffenheim also tasted victory.

Michael Essien has been championed as one of the top midfielders on the planet by Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has also praised Gael Kakuta.

Hull City and West Ham United drew 3-3 in a gripping game at the KC Stadium, a result that ensured both sides moved out of the bottom three.

Rangers beat Kilmarnock 3-0 to go top of the SPL as Falkirk secured a much-needed victory, while St Johnstone heightened Hearts' troubles.

A solitary goal from Darren Bent earned Sunderland victory over title contenders Arsenal, handing the Gunners their first defeat in 14 games.

Michael Essien struck a double as Chelsea beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 to set a new club record for successive victories at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool took the lead against Manchester City, but they ultimately needed a Yossi Benayoun goal to secure a home point after a lively second half.