Three second-half goals moved Hearts back within three points of Scottish Premier League leaders Celtic with a 3-1 win against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
Christophe Berra, Mauricio Pinilla and Saulius Mikoliunas struck in an 18-minute spell, before substitute Dyron Daal’s consolation goal for the Dons eight minutes from time.
Real Madrid produced their most accomplished display since Fabio Capello took over as the coach of the Spanish giants to run out 1-0 winners at Real Betis.
The victory puts Madrid on top of the Spanish first division for the first time in 11 months but they will slip back within 24 hours as the rest of the Spanish first division fixtures are being played on Sunday.
Frank Lampard was back in the old routine with a double strike as English champions Chelsea won 2-0 at Fulham.
Chelsea midfielder Lampard scored twice in the final 17 minutes at Craven Cottage to put Jose Mourinho’s side top of the Premiership.
Thierry Henry engineered Arsenal’s first Premiership win at their Emirates Stadium as his side coasted to a 3-0 triumph over Sheffield United.
The French striker had a hand in the first two goals, before adding the third himself to mark Arsene Wenger’s 10th anniversary as Arsenal manager in style.
Georgios Samaras has scored twice to ease the pressure on Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce as his side beat West Ham 2-0.
Greece striker Samaras broke the deadlock immediately following half-time and added a second soon after as City won for only the second time in the Premiership this season.
Cristiano Ronaldo saved Manchester United from an embarrassing defeat as his equaliser earned a 1-1 draw at newly-promoted Reading.
Ronaldo spared United’s blushes with a superb solo goal 17 minutes from time after Kevin Doyle had put Reading on course for a shock win from the penalty spot.
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp reportedly served a libel claim on the BBC before their Panorama investigation into corruption in English football was broadcast.
Newspaper reports in the days leading up to the programme had suggested that Redknapp would be named in the investigation.
Claims that South Africa’s preparations for the 2010 World Cup were lagging behind schedule were dismissed by organising committee chief executive officer Danny Jordaan.
“We are ahead of schedule, and we will be ready,” Jordaan told AFP on Thursday.
Bayern Munich captain Oliver Kahn has criticised the gung-ho tactics employed by the German champions this season and says it would be wiser for the team to sometimes slow their game down.
Bayern tasted their first league defeat of the season on Sunday with Arminia Bielefeld using a late free-kick to clinch a 2-1 victory and Kahn believes tactical changes are needed.
Former Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann is to meet Andreas Herzog, assistant manager of Euro 2008 co-hosts Austria, to offer advice, the 1990 World Cup winning striker said.
“I will happily meet Andreas and exchange information,” said Klinsmann, who led hosts Germany to third place at this year’s World Cup.
