Normal service was resumed in the Bundesliga - with Bayern Munich's 2-1 home win over Alemmania Aachen on Saturday. Bayern suffered a shock when the visitors took the lead late in the first half – however Bayern were level within a minute through Claudio Pizzaro - before recent signing Mark Van Bommel grabbed the goal, which sent the Bavarians to the top of the table.
Nuremberg threw away a chance to go back to the top on Sunday – They outplayed Energie Cottbus for long spells - but woeful finishing resulted in them having to settle for a 1-1 draw.
After 5 games both Bayern and Schalke are tied on 10 points, but Felix Magath's men top the table on goals scored.
The game of the weekend on the continent was at the Nou Camp – where current champions Barcelona faced Valencia – Rijkaard's men had most of the play – while Valencia were always dangerous on the counter attack – and it was ‘Los Ches' who took the lead on 18 minutes through David Villa after fine build-up play – Villa could have got his second just before the break, but was denied by a post after brilliantly making space for himself – Barcelona dominated the second half and grabbed an equalizer on 49 mins through sub Andres Iniesta – After having 18 direct shots on goal, Barça were a little unlucky not to take 3 points – but full credit to Valencia for a fine defensive and counter attacking display.
Real Madrid are tied on points with Valencia and Barça at the top of La Liga – ‘Los Blancos' managed to hold on for all 3 points against Betis on Saturday evening, after summer signing Diarra had fired them into an early lead.
Bad news for Basque football – as both Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao find themselves in the bottom three after four games, with only 1 and 2 points respectively.
Nothing seems to change in France – as once again Lyon were awesome in their 4-1 demolition of Lille, in what many thought would be a difficult match for Gerard Houllier's men – Fred grabbed two of the goals for the team which is going for it's sixth consecutive title victory.
Marseille wasted an opportunity to go level on points with Lyon – when they crashed to their first league defeat of the season at lowly Nantes.
The other giant of French football PSG – are struggling down in 13th place after a shambolic home draw against Nancy.
Inter and Chievo played out a contender for the most exciting match of the weekend at the San Siro on Sunday – Inter were heading for a comfortable victory after two goals from Crespo (2), Stankovic and Samuel put them 4-0 up – however 3 late goals from the visitors had Mancini's men holding on – I Nerazzurri now lead Roma (who beat Parma away 4-0) by one point at the top of the table – Palermo who were leading going into this round of fixtures, crashed 2-0 against Empoli.
AC Milan will be disappointed that they couldn't take all 3 points in Saturday's game at Livorno – they now trail city rivals Inter by 8 points (remember Milan started the season with an 8 point deduction).
AZ Alkmaar are still flying high at the top of the Eredivisie in Holland – ex-Ranger Shota Arveladze was again on target in a 2-0 win away at Roda. Danish striker Ken Perez scored twice for Ajax, to keep them in touch at the top of the table – Ten Cate's men are followed by PSV, who won 2-0 at Den Haag.
Feyenoord won this weekend, but are still only in mid-table.
In Portugal – FC Porto maintained their 100% record this season by defeating Beira-Mar 3-0 – They now have 12 points, 3 more than second placed Sporting.
Benfica the biggest club in Portugal - dropped points again in a 1-1 draw at Ferreira – and now find themselves in 12th place.
Finally – Rangers rivals in Europe, Molde – warmed up for Thursday's UEFA Cup second leg tie at Ibrox with a 2-0 home win over Lillestrom – we underestimate them at our peril.
Maccloyalist