Raul sets record

Striker Raul set a club scoring record as Real Madrid swept aside Sporting Gijon 4-0 away yesterday to cut Barcelona's lead at the top of the Primera Liga to 10 points.

The leaders were held 2-2 away to Real Betis on Saturday, and the champions took advantage as Raul scored twice and Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Marcelo added one apiece to make short work of their hosts.

Raul's goals made him Real's all-time top scorer, surpassing Alfredo di Stefano's tally by two to move on to 309 goals for the nine-times European champions.

Real's eighth consecutive victory put them on 50 points from 23 matches.

"We are closer (to Barcelona) because we have hauled back two points but it is still very difficult. It is out of our hands and we have to wait and see what happens," Real coach Juande Ramos said.