SCOTTISH CUP: Celtic manager Gordon Strachan believes his side are benefiting from midfielder Scott Brown's "licence to roam".
The Scotland international has arguably been the Parkhead side's best player this season, his increasing confidence summed up last week in the Premier League home draw against Dundee United when he robbed Tannadice captain Lee Wilkie to set up a goal for striker Georgios Samaras.
Against Dundee in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup at Parkhead on Saturday, another typically energetic run by Brown set up Scott McDonald from the same area of the pitch.
This time, McDonald's mis-hit shot ricocheted off several Dundee defenders before landing fortuitously in front of Brown who slipped it past goalkeeper Rab Douglas from close range.
The goal came at a crucial time for the Parkhead side, levelling as it did, the lead gifted to the First Division side by Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc whose fresh-air swipe allowed Colin McMenamin to knock into an empty goal.
On his return from his two-week club ban, Aiden McGeady showed the Celtic fans and Gordon Strachan what they had been missing when he curled in the winner just before the break.
SCOTTISH CUP - Fifth-round draw: Forfar Athletic or Forres Mechanics v St Johnstone or Rangers; Airdrie Utd v Dunfermline; Hearts v Falkirk; Inverurie Locos or Motherwell v Brechin City or St Mirren; Aberdeen v East Fife; Celtic v Peterhead or Queen's Park; Hamilton v East Stirling or Dundee Utd; Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Ayr Utd or Kilmarnock.
Ties to be played on the weekend of February 7th-8th.
SPANISH PRIMERA LIGA: Runaway leaders Barcelona maintained their 12-point at the top following their 3-2 victory over bottom-of-the-table Osasuna last night.
The Catalan side took the lead through Samuel Eto'o just before half-time but found themselves 2-1 down by the 73rd minute after goals from Miguel Flano and Walter Pandiani.
Barcelona equalised eight minutes later with a Xavi goal and Argentine playmaker Lionel Messi struck the winner with five minutes of the game remaining.
Raul marked his 500th league game with a goal as Real Madrid cruised to a 3-0 victory at Real Mallorca that put them second yesterday.
Arjen Robben and Raul had Real 2-0 ahead within 17 minutes and Sergio Ramos added a third in the second half, making it three wins from three for Juande Ramos's improving side.
The champions are now second behind runaway leaders Barcelona with 35 points from 18 games, ahead of Sevilla on goal difference after the Andalucians came back to win 3-1 at Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday.
