EURO ROUND-UP

RB LEIPZIG became the first team from the former East Germany to top the Bundesliga during the winter break after coming from behind to beat AUGSBURG 3-1.

They went behind to Florian Niederlechner’s early goal, but Konrad Laimer, Patrik Schick and Yussuf Poulsen scored in the final 22 minutes to win the game.

Leipzig are two points clear of BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH, who drew 0-0 at HERTHA BERLIN. It was a late show from BAYERN MUNICH, who beat WOLFSBURG 2-0 to stay within four points off top spot in third. Dutch teenager Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench to score a late goal (85 minutes) for the second game in a row. Serge Gnabry (below) added a second four minutes later.

Lionel Messi scored his 50th goal of 2019 as BARCELONA beat ALAVES 4-1 to end the year unbeaten at home.

Luis Suarez assisted three goals and scored the other as Barcelona went three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. Antoine Griezmann hit the opener, then Arturo Vidal blasted in No. 2, before Pere Pons’ header for Alaves. But Messi smashed home an excellent 25-yard strike and then Suarez scored a penalty following a handball.

They will be top of La Liga over Christmas, unless Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao by six goals today. Romelu Lukaku hit a double as INTER MILAN beat GENOA to finish 2019 top of Serie A. He put Antonio Conte’s side in the lead with a header, and Roberto Gagliardini made it 2-0 moments later.

Lukaku then let Sebastiano Esposito take a penalty, which the 17-yearold scored to put Inter 3-0 up. And Belgian Lukaku blasted his second into the top corner to put the game beyond doubt, his 14th goal for Inter.

Inter are above Juventus on goal difference.