Real win: Real Madrid moved five points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Athletic Bilbao, yesterday. Karim Benzema put the visitors in front but Bilbao, who had previously lost only once at home all season, equalised through Aritz Aduriz. Real, though, were soon back in the lead when Casemiro tapped in following a corner on 68 minutes.

Lloyd: Carli Lloyd made her Manchester City Women debut yesterday in a 1-0 win over Reading Women. The United States international started the FA Women’s Cup fifth-round game at City’s Academy Stadium. Lloyd, 34, arrived at City on a three-month deal from the Houston Dash.

Setien: Las Palmas coach Quique Setien has announced he will leave the club at the end of the season, citing “irreconcilable differences” over contract talks. The 58-year-old took charge of Las Palmas in October 2015, guiding the club away from relegation in his first season in charge. This campaign has been even more successful under Setien, with Las Palmas higher up in La Liga and 16 points clear of the drop zone.

FIFA action: Djoliba and Onze Createurs became the first casualties of FIFA’s suspension on Mali after they were stopped from playing in African club competition yesterday. Both clubs had leads from the first leg matches at home in the second round of Africa’s secondary club tournament. The two clubs had already set off for their return matches but were barred from playing after FIFA banned the west African country on Friday.

Lotito: Lazio president and Salernitana owner Claudio Lotito will become the new head of the Lega Serie B following the resignation of Andrea Abodi. Lotito is the only candidate for the election which will be held next Saturday. Abodi recently challenged Carlo Tavecchio for the Italian football federation top post but only managed 45 per cent of the vote.

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