Real Zaragoza missed out on the chance to replace Deportivo Coruna at the top of the Spanish league table when they drew 0-0 at home to Barcelona yesterday. Deportivo, who lost 2-1 at Alaves, remain on top with 37 points, two ahead of second-placed Zaragoza while Barcelona trail a further point behind on 34.

Celta Vigo returned to form when they beat Oviedo 5-3, the highest aggregate score of any Spanish first division game this season.

Beleaguered Real Betis coach Carlos Timoteo Griguol got a stay of execution after his side beat Athletic Bilbao 2-1 despite having defender David Rivas sent off during the second half.

Salva Ballesta, the division's top scorer, netted his 21st goal of the season with a last-minute penalty to give Racing Santander a 1-1 home draw with Valencia.

In Italy, Juventus returned to the top of the Italian league table with a 3-0 victory over Perugia as title rivals Lazio were held to a scoreless draw at Reggina.

After 17 matches, Juve have 36 points, one more than Lazio, leaders at the start of the day but well below their best at Reggina despite having two appeals for penalties turned down.

At the Olympic stadium, Francesco Totti scored twice for AS Roma in their 3-1 win over Verona. The result lifted Roma into third spot, level on points with Parma, held 0-0 at Lecce, and four behind Juventus.

In France, Olympique Marseille's troubles continued when they drew 0-0 at home with bottom-placed Montpellier in a first division tie yesterday.