In Brief: Alexis Sanchez hat-trick puts Barcelona back on top; Nine-man Roma’s run ended by Juventus

Alexis Sanchez (GETTY IMAGES)

Sanchez hat-trick puts Barcelona back on top

Alexis Sanchez hit a hat-trick as Barcelona swept aside Elche 4-0 to return to the top of La Liga on goal difference from Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Showing no sign of missing injured Lionel Messi, Barça were 2-0 up after 15 minutes through Sanchez and Pedro. Xavi Hernandez missed a penalty at the start of the second half before Sanchez added his third with a free-kick.

Third-placed Real Madrid face Celta Vigo on Monday night.

Nine-man Roma’s run ended by Juventus

Serie A leaders Juventus halted second-placed Roma’s unbeaten run with a 3-0 win on Sunday night to go eight points clear as the visitors had two men sent off in less than 60 seconds.

Arturo Vidal gave Juve an early lead and Leonardo Bonucci made it 2-0 three minutes after half-time.

Daniele De Rossi and Leandro Castan were sent off before Mirko Vucinic fired in a penalty.