Football Boots - European Round Up - 24/03/10

Messi fired three goals and won a penalty to give Barcelona a 4-2 victory at Real Zaragoza, but Real Madrid remain top on goal difference as they downed Sporting Gijon 3-1 24 hours prior.

Valencia remain third in the table after their 2-0 success over Almeria with goals from Mata and Silva. Real Mallorca climbed to fourth as they swept aside Atletico Madrid, while struggling pair Xerez and Real Valladolid both won.

Featured Player - Lionel Messi

A Bayern Munich defeat allowed Schalke to close the gap at the top of the Bundesliga. Bayern Munich slumped to a late 2-1 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt, whilst Schalke could only manage a 2-2 draw at Hamburg, failing to fully capitalise on Bayern's defeat.

Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen also failed to take adavantage of Munich's slip up suffering a 3-0 loss to fellow high-flyers Borussia Dortmund, while Hertha Berlin smashed Wolfsburg 5-1 with Theofanis Gekas helping himself to a hat-trick. .

Featured Player - Hamit Altintop

Inter Milan's poor form continued as Jose Mourinho's side were held to a 1-1 draw at Palermo, presenting Milan with the chance to go top. Although, Milan could only draw with Napoli meaning the gap at the top remains a point.

A poor season for Juventus continued after they were beaten by Sampdoria, a solitary goal from Cassano moving Sampdoria up to fifth place. Roma played out a six-goal thriller with Udinese, with Vucinic netting a hat-trick.

Featured Player - Antonio Cassano

Promoted side Montpellier continued their remarkable campaign, and remain level on points with leaders Bordeaux, courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Valenciennes. Goal difference is hugely in favor of Bordeaux who were 3-1 victors over Lille.

Marseille won the battle of the giants defeating Lyon 2-1 thanks to a late goal, while Rennes made it three wins in a row and struggling Boulogne boosted their survival hopes with a victory.

Featured Player - Cyril Deschamp