Madrid - Barcelona were relieved to battle out a late 2-2 away to lively Valencia on Saturday, with an 86th minute equalizer from supersub Thierry Henry.

The hard-fought draw leaves Barca seven points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, who are away to third-placed Sevilla on Sunday..

"We didn't want to lose tonight," said Henry, "and we showed a lot of courage. This is how leagues are won."

Rome - Alberto Gilardino scored a brace Saturday as Fiorentina crushed 10-man Roma 4-1 in a Serie A match that weakened the Rome side's chances to play the next Champions League. Fiorentina moved up to fourth place and currently occupy the last available Champions League berth. Genoa, who play Sunday at demotion-threatend Bologna, trail one points adrift, while Roma lie six points behind Fiorentina with five game left.

Washington/Geneva - The Geneva-based World Health Organization Saturday declared the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico and the United States a "public health emergency of international concern."At least 20 deaths in Mexico have been confirmed as swine flu, among a total of 60 deaths that have occurred there. Hundreds of more non-fatal cases have been reported, and schools, museums and other public places have been closed to prevent the spread.

In the United States, at least eight cases in Texas and California have been confirmed by the US Centres for Disease Control.

Washington - An illness that has affected abut 75 students at a private school in New York City is "likely" swine flu, said Thomas Frieden, the New York City health commissioner. The conclusion was reached after swabs were taken from nine students at St Francis Preparatory School in Queens on Friday.

The specimens were examined by the health department, which concluded they exhibited in Influenza A strain that was "likely" swine flu, Frieden said.

A confirmatory result was expected Sunday from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia.

Madrid - The 33rd round of the Spanish Liga programme kicked off on Saturday with a 1-1 draw between Euro hopefuls Malaga and Deportivo Coruna. Former Spain striker Albert Luque gave Malaga the lead in the 33rd minute, only for fellow veteran Sergio to equalize for Deportivo just after half-time.

Malaga would have gone fifth had they won. Instead, they continue in sixth place with 51 points, one point above Deportivo but one behind fifth-placed Villarreal and four behind fourth-placed Valencia, who are at home to leaders Barcelona later on Saturday.