Paris Saint-Germain FC missed the opportunity to move clear at the top of Ligue 1 as they were unable to find a way past LOSC Lille Métropole in the French capital.

PSG are level with Montpellier Hérault SC on 37 points having failed to capitalise on their rivals' 1-1 draw with Toulouse FC on Saturday. The Paris club could find no way through a Lille defence which is the meanest in the division, with the title holders just two points adrift of the pacesetters.

Elsewhere, Stade Rennais FC missed the chance to go fifth, suffering a 1-0 defeat at AJ Ajaccio, who remain bottom following just their second league triumph of the season. Rennes are seventh, two spots higher than FC Girondins de Bordeaux, 1-0 victors against FC Sochaux-Montbéliard thanks to Ludovic Sané's strike midway through the first half.

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FC Barcelona lifted the FIFA Club World Cup for the second time in three seasons after enjoying an emphatic four-goal triumph against Santos FC in Yokohama.

The UEFA Champions League holders arrived at Sunday's showpiece having overwhelmed al-Sadd Sports Club by the same score in the semi-finals and they quickly set about bewitching their Brazilian opponents, taking a 3-0 first-half lead thanks to goals by Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernández and Cesc Fàbregas.

Though Santos enjoyed a brief revival after the restart there was little they could do to prevent Josep Guardiola's charges from clinching their third trophy of the season, as Messi netted a fourth before the end.

It was the Argentinian international's extra-time strike against Club Estudiantes de La Plata in Abu Dhabi that helped the Azulgrana claim their first FIFA Club World Cup trophy in 2009 and Messi opened the scoring at the International Stadium when he hared on to Xavi's through ball before lifting a smart shot over Rafael Cabral in the 17th minute. Provider turned goalscorer seven minutes later when Dani Alves picked out Xavi to double the advantage with a low effort.

Muricy Ramalho's side had been hoping to prevent a fifth consecutive European success in the competition but that feat looked highly improbable after Barça struck a third before half-time, Fàbregas finding the corner of the net after Cabral had palmed Thiago Alcántara's header straight into the former Arsenal FC midfielder's path.

The Santos No1 denied Fàbregas a second shortly after the restart, tipping the Spanish international's poked effort wide of the post, while at the other end Víctor Valdés was called upon to deny both Borges and Neymar. Unrelenting in their pursuit of victory, however, the European club champions sought a fourth goal and duly found it in the 82nd minute when Messi brilliantly took the ball around Cabral to round off the scoring.

"We played a great and complete game with a lot of intensity," said Barça captain Carles Puyol. "The first two goals we scored calmed us down but we never doubted ourselves. I think it was a fair result. We surprised Santos by coming at them straight from the start, which they probably weren't used to as they tend to have more time on the ball in their domestic league. It cost us a lot to get here and we're very happy."

Santos striker Neymar had no argument with the result and was gallant in defeat, saying: "Barcelona were the far superior team, they have some fantastic players. We are a young team and we have finished second in the world; we have learned a lot."

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With a mouthwatering knockout phase around the corner, the UEFA Champions League continues to provide premium value in highlighting the strength of European club football.

Speaking at the round of 16 draw at UEFA's headquarters in Nyon on Friday, UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino said that the UEFA Champions League showcased the best of the European club game. "Yet again the Champions League group stage has provided football fans around the globe with plenty of top action, some great moments and lots and lots of goals," he reflected.

"In fact, a total of 254 goals were scored in this season's group matches," he added, "and there were also a number of firsts. This is the first time FC Basel 1893 have reached the knockout stage although they reached the second group stage in the 2002/03 season. Besides that, SSC Napoli, FC Zenit St Petersburg and APOEL FC – the first Cypriot representatives to have come so far – are also all in uncharted territory."

Mr Infantino also congratulated FC Barcelona, the UEFA Champions League title holders, on reaching Sunday's FIFA Club World Cup final in Japan.

"European club football continues to go from strength to strength," he said, "and you have to go all the way back to 2006 to find the last time a European club did not win the final of the FIFA Club World Cup."

The 2011/12 UEFA Champions League final will be played at the Fußball Arena München in Munich, and one of the German city's football great, former FC Bayern München and Germany midfielder Paul Breitner, was present in Nyon to help make the draw.

Munich is hosting the final for a fourth time – but this will be the first at the Fußball Arena München – and Breitner explained that the old Olympiastadion, built for the 1972 Olympics, was not strictly a football venue. "We had to build a new stadium for the fans who wanted to be closer to the pitch and teams," he said, "and to feel more comfort. The result was this outstanding arena, and we are proud we can hold the final there on 19 May."

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UEFA President Michel Platini today handed over a cheque for €500,000 from UEFA to the Japan Football Association (JFA) president Junji Ogura on the occasion of the FIFA Executive Committee meeting in Tokyo.

The presentation of the cheque is a further symbol of UEFA's support for the Japanese people following the terrible damages suffered during the natural disaster that hit the country last March. The chairman of the UEFA Finance Committee, Marios N Lefkaritis, and the European members of the FIFA Executive Committee were also present at the ceremony.

"The way the Japanese people have reacted to the terrible natural tragedies that struck them this year showcases what kind of country this is," said Mr Platini. "It is UEFA's duty to use football to support people in times of need, as football is one of the few global sports that can transcend both language and culture to bring people together. The image of players at our matches holding up banners in support of the Japanese people was, for me, an enduring symbol of this unity," continued the UEFA President.

The proposal for a financial donation to the JFA had been discussed and approved at the UEFA Executive Committee meeting on 22 September in Cyprus.

"We have decided to financially support the people of Japan through the Japan Football Association for a number of reasons," Mr Platini explained in Tokyo. "First, we were distressed and concerned by the awful natural disaster that hit the country. Second, we were moved and inspired by the dignified, exemplary reaction of the Japanese people.

"The ties of friendship between the JFA and UEFA explain the rest. In the face of this unique situation, it was obvious to us that we should help, however modestly, with the restoration and reconstruction of the affected area in Japan. Your country is always there when others need you, so it is normal and only right that we should be there when you are the ones in need of assistance."

Nine months on from the disaster that led to thousands of people losing their lives, the donation made to the JFA will be used for any relief project that is deemed necessary in order to assist the Japanese people following the earthquake and tsunami.

Right from the start of the terrible sequence of natural tragedies that struck Japan, UEFA was quick to show its support for the Japanese people. Through its website UEFA.com it arranged a relief effort to raise funds, while messages of solidarity for the Japanese population were carried by players at UEFA Champions League matches that week – a gesture that was immediately appreciated by the Japanese public at large as these games are transmitted globally. A minute's silence was also observed at UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Women's Champions League matches.

UEFA's motto is We Care About Football – but European football's governing body cares about much more than just the game. The donation made to the JFA shows that football should have a sense of social responsibility and that backing for social and humanitarian causes remains a high priority on UEFA's agenda.

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Manchester City FC restored their two-point Premier League lead after beating Arsenal FC 1-0 to maintain their perfect home record in the top flight this season.

In a pulsating encounter, Sergio Agüero and Mario Balotelli came close early on, while Joe Hart made a fine stop from Gervinho. The hosts took the lead early in the second period through David Silva, and although Robin van Persie was thwarted by Hart, and Thomas Vermaelen twice threatened late on, City might have settled the contest on 66 minutes when Pablo Zabaleta hit a post.

Manchester United FC had briefly returned to the top of the standings after a 2-0 success at Queens Park Rangers FC. Wayne Rooney gave the visitors a first-minute lead with his 12th league goal of the season, while Michael Carrick's effort sealed a 12th win of the campaign for the champions.

Tottenham Hotspur FC are five points behind United in third, with a game in hand over the top two, after overcoming Sunderland AFC 1-0 thanks to Roman Pavlyuchenko's winner (61). Liverpool FC, meanwhile, are sixth thanks to a 2-0 triumph against Sunderland AFC courtesy of Craig Bellamy (11) and Martin Škrtel (15) strikes.

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Juventus and Real Madrid CF enjoyed fruitful weekends to cement themselves at the top in Italy and Spain respectively, while there was no change at the summit in Germany, England or France as league pacesetters matched their rivals stride for stride. UEFA.com rounds up the highlights from across the continent.

Spain

Madrid took advantage of FC Barcelona's Liga absence, due to FIFA Club World Cup commitments, as a dominant 6-2 win at Sevilla FC ensured they take a lead into the winter break. "We've achieved our objective," said Cristiano Ronaldo, who hit his fifth Liga hat-trick of the season. "We leave for Christmas with a three-point cushion." Two goals from Roberto Soldado kept Valencia CF seven points behind the leaders after a 2-0 win against Málaga CF, while fourth-placed Levante UD dropped further off the pace as goals from Guillherme Siqueira and Abel condemned the former frontrunners to a 2-1 defeat at Granada CF.

Germany

It is as you were at the head of the Bundesliga after the top four all recorded victories, most impressively third-placed FC Schalke 04 who defeated SV Werder Bremen 5-0, Raúl González scoring a hat-trick. "We beat one of our direct rivals who had crept up behind us in the table," said the former Madrid man. The wins leaves Schalke three points behind leaders FC Bayern München, who had Mario Gomez, David Alaba and Toni Kroos to thank for a 3-0 win against 1. FC Köln. Two goals from Robert Lewandowski contributed to a 4-1 Borussia Dortmund win at bottom-placed SC Freiburg, while fourth-placed VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach enjoyed a one-goal victory against 1. FSV Mainz 05.

Italy

Juventus grabbed the outright lead of Serie A as they took advantage of Udinese Calcio's 2-2 draw with S.S. Lazio. Simone Pepe and Fabio Quagliarella took the Turin club past second-bottom Novara Calcio ahead of their meeting with the Zebrette on Wednesday. Bianconeri coach Antonio Conte said: "We'll enjoy today's victory and tomorrow we'll turn our attention to the game against Udinese. We want to end 2011 in a positive way and exceed expectations." A goal from Giampiero Pinzi 17 minutes from time rescued a point at Lazio, meaning Udinese are level on 31 points with AC Milan, who defeated AC Siena 2-0 on Saturday. FC Internazionale Milano's resurgence continued, winning 1-0 win at AC Cesena to move fifth.

England

The focus remains on Manchester in the Premier League after David Silva scored the only goal of the game as Manchester City FC defeated Arsenal FC to restore their two-point lead at the top on Sunday. Manchester United FC had briefly jumped above City after winning at Queens Park Rangers FC earlier in the day, goals coming from Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick. "If we get to New Year's Day and we are in the ball park we will have a very good chance come the second half of the season," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Tottenham Hotspur FC remain third after defeating Sunderland AFC 1-0, while Chelsea FC dropped back, drawing 1-1 at Wigan Athletic FC.

France

Montpellier Hérault SC and Paris Saint-Germain FC remain inseparable at the Ligue 1 summit after both being held. On Saturday, Toulouse FC's Cheikh Mbengué cancelled out Geoffrey Dernis's seventh-minute opener as Montpellier drew 1-1 at home, while PSG versus Lille finished goalless on Sunday. Olympique Lyonnais closed the gap at the top to two points, level with Lille, as goals from Jimmy Briand and Lisandro edged them to a 2-1 win against Évian Thonon Gaillard FC. Coach Rémi Garde said: "We continue to advance. We're in touch and that was the goal for the end of the year. We will go forward from here."

Elsewhere

PSV Eindhoven closed the gap at the top of the Eredivisie to just a point as leaders AZ Alkmaar slipped to a 2-1 defeat at NAC Breda. PSV swept aside sc Heerenveen 5-1, Ola Toivonen and Georginio Wijnaldum each scoring twice, while AFC Ajax defeated ADO Den Haag to keep in touch, five points off the pace. In Portugal, SL Benfica and FC Porto remain locked on 33 points at the top after the capital club eased to a 5-1 victory against Rio Ave FC – Nolito notching twice – before Porto recorded a 2-0 home win against CS Marítimo. SV Reid surrendered top-spot in Austria, drawing 1-1 with SK Sturm Graz, while goals from Atdhe Nuhiu and Deni Alar allowed SK Rapid Wien to lead the pack, defeating FC Admira/Wacker Mödling 2-1.

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Captain Zoumana Camara believes Paris Saint-Germain FC must look to the future after exiting the UEFA Europa League despite Wednesday's 4-2 victory against Athletic Club. Though Athletic still progressed as Group F winners, there was frustration at a first defeat.

Zoumana Camara, PSG defender

We feel disappointed but that's normal. We wanted to do well in this competition and we haven't managed to. But we didn't go out tonight; we lost our place in the next round by failing to win some of the previous games. If we had won in Bratislava, for example, we wouldn't be in this position. Looking back, I think we needed to be a bit more ruthless in that game.

We had chances to win it but we didn't take them. Unfortunately our destiny wasn't in our own hands tonight. But we have to look forward. We have won three games in a row and this is the best way to prepare for an important match against Lille [in Ligue 1 on Sunday]. We are still in two competitions and we are playing well again. We had a dip but we are getting back on track.

Kévin Gameiro, PSG forward

It's disappointing to be eliminated, but we did the job tonight. We got our third straight win and that will give us confidence. Going a long way in this competition was an objective for us, but it wasn't to be. Now we will focus on the French Cup and the league.

The goalless draw in Bratislava and the defeat in Salzburg cost us in the end. If we hadn't conceded the goal right at the death in Salzburg [on matchday five] we would have qualified. It's really infuriating, but we have to look forward and make sure we are ready for the next league game on Sunday.

Raúl, Athletic goalkeeper

It was an important game for me because I hadn't played for a long time. This performance will help give me confidence. I tried to remain calm and to seize the chance the coach had given me. I don't know if I could have kept out any of the goals. You always feel like goals are avoidable, but I was happy to have been able to help the team at times. We all worked hard together and we could have scored more than two but we just didn't get the breaks we needed.

Ibai Gómez, Athletic forward

I felt we dominated the first 30 minutes and I'd even say we were on top for 40 minutes of the second half. Unfortunately they made the most of their chances and we didn't. That's what matters, so we are going home disappointed. We didn't defend the set pieces well in the first half. That's something we'll have to work on to make sure it doesn't happen again in the future. We have a big squad and a good team so it's not easy to get regular football, but I'll try to take my chances when they come.

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Odense BK substitute Djiby Fall's header, the very last touch, earned a 2-2 draw that left Fulham FC out of the UEFA Europa League behind Group K runners-up Wisła Kraków in a manner that left manager Martin Jol stunned. OB were aleady eliminated having previously fallen in the UEFA Champions League play-offs to Villarreal CF and are in the Danish bottom half but there was a happy end to the year, as Rúrik Gíslason and Espen Ruud told UEFA.com.

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FC Dynamo Kyiv will be without striker Andriy Shevchenko, goalkeeper Olexandr Shovkovskiy and defensive midfielder Ognjen Vukojević for Wednesday's decisive UEFA Europa League match against Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC.

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The UEFA Europa League group stage ends this week, setting the scene for Friday and a round of 32 draw that already contains the names of holders FC Porto and Manchester United FC.

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APOEL FC's success in the UEFA Champions League has made this a sensational season for Cyprus but AEK Larnaca FC could yet join them in playing European football in the spring.

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While 15 teams are already assured of progress from the UEFA Europa League group stage, 19 others will compete for the remaining nine places in the round of 32 on Wednesday and Thursday.

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