Real Madrid crush Osasuna in Primera Liga

Madrid, April 1 (IANS) Real Madrid remained six points clear at the top of the Spanish Primera Liga following their 5-1 win away against Osasuna.

The game Saturday had been touted as one of Madrid's most difficult away matches, but Jose Mourinho's side was rarely in trouble.

Madrid led 3-0 by the break thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain, Xinhua reported.

Nino pulled a goal back for the home side, but further goals from Ronaldo and Higuain showed Madrid's enormous firepower and sealed the win.

Barcelona took advantage of the tiredness of an Athletic Club Bilbao who had finished their Europa League tie against German side Schalke 04 just 47 hours before the kick off in the Camp Nou Stadium to win 2-0.

Tiredness forced Athletic coach Marcelo Bielsa to rest key players Ander Herrera, Fernando Llorente, Iker Muniain and Fernando Amorebieta and play with less regular first team players.

Barcelona took advantage by playing at a high pace and after several first half chances Andres Iniesta opened the scoring five minutes from half time.

A Lionel Messi penalty, which was given after what looked like a dive by Christian Tello 13 minutes after the break sealed the victory for the Catalans.