Barcelona's Lionel Messi (L) vies for the ball with Betis' Jose Antonio Delgado "Nono" during their La Liga soccer match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona April 5, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

SPAIN

With leading scorer Diego Costa out for Atletico Madrid, it was left for Raul Garcia to score and see off Villarreal. Gareth Bale's long-range goal also ensured Real Madrid didn't miss star Cristiano Ronaldo as it cruised to a 4-0 victory at Real Sociedad, staying within three points of the pacesetters in third place.

Lionel Messi converted an early penalty and then slotted in the rebound after a second spot kick was blocked by goalkeeper Adan Garrido to seal Barcelona's victory late on against Real Betis. Barcelona unfurled a banner in the Camp Nou stands before the match that read "Hands Off La Masia," referring to FIFA's one-year transfer ban after football's governing body found the Catalan club guilty of breaching regulations in signing youth players for its renowned training academy.

FRANCE

Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc rested key players and still saw his team take a step closer to a second straight French title after coasting to a 3-0 win against Reims. Edinson Cavani made the most of a rare start in his favored center forward position, scoring his 15th league goal of the season as PSG moved provisionally 16 points clear of second-placed Monaco, which hosts Nantes on Sunday.

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