European roundup: Raphinha puts Barcelona nine clear at top

Raphinha scored the only goal as La Liga leaders Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés to restore their nine-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid.

The Brazil international struck in first-half stoppage time, with the effort being given after a VAR check after the flag had initially gone up for offside.

Barça then benefited from the technology again in the 89th minute, Iñaki Williams thinking he had equalised but VAR spotting a handball in the build-up, as Xavi’s men saw out the 1-0 win.

Fourth-placed Real Sociedad were held 1-1 at Mallorca, seeing Carlos Fernández’s early opener cancelled out by Lee Kang-in shortly after the break. The visitors had Mikel Merino sent off in the closing stages. Real Betis and Villarreal, in fifth and sixth respectively, also drew 1-1.

Sevilla moved out of the relegation places after they came from behind to defeat fellow strugglers Almería 2-1 at home, with Érik Lamela netting a 73rd-minute winner. Jorge Sampaoli’s side move up to 13th, two points clear of the drop zone, with Getafe replacing them in 18th place.

In Serie A, an eventful contest at the Stadio Olimpico saw 10-man Roma beaten 4-3 by Sassuolo. José Mourinho’s men – now fifth – were 2-0 down early on thanks to Armand Laurienté’s brace and after Nicola Zalewski’s reply, Marash Kumbulla’s challenge on Domenico Berardi in first-half stoppage time resulted in a penalty scored by the latter, while the former was sent off.

Paulo Dybala reduced the deficit once again, before Andrea Pinamonti put the away side 4-2 up, with Roma then hitting back through Georginio Wijnaldum in time added on at the end but were unable to salvage a point.

Juventus were also involved in an action-packed game as they beat rock-bottom Sampdoria