RIVAL WATCH: Juventus increase league lead, Real Madrid snatch late win

FC Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final opponents Juventus took a big step towards the Serie A title with a 2-0 win away at Empoli.

Two goals from Gonzalo Higuain in the first half sealed the victory which puts the Old Lady eight points clear at the top of the standings.

AS Roma’s 1-1 draw at home to Atalanta sees Juve increase their lead by two points with just six games remaining.

The bad news for Massimiliano Allegri’s side is that Paulo Dybala, the man who netted twice against Barça in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie, asked to be substituted on 54 minutes. It remains to be seen whether it was just precautionary of there is real concern that the Argentine will miss out on the trip to the Camp Nou.

Madrid grab late win

La Liga leaders Real Madrid twice came from behind against Sporting Gijón, before a 90th minute Isco strike saw them leave El Molinón with three points.

The hosts took a surprise lead on 14 minutes when a fine Mikel Vesga pass played in Duje Cop who slotted beyond Kiko Casilla. However, the joy was short lived as Isco levelled things up three minutes later.

Vesga put Sporting ahead with a looping header early in the second half, before Álvaro Morata responded with an aerial strike of his own on the hour mark for 2-2.

But with the game heading towards a draw, Isco maneuvered space outside the box before unleashing a powerful low strike to hand Madrid the win.

FC Barcelona's hard fought 3-2 win over Real Sociedad at Camp Nou means they remain in second place in the table, three points behind Zidane's side. Real Madrid still have a game in hand over Barça whom they host next weekend in the Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu.