Real Madrid forward Robinho said his side now have the form and the belief to prevent leaders Barcelona claiming their third consecutive Primera Liga title.

Third-placed Real beat Osasuna 2-0 at home on Sunday to close to within two points of arch-rivals Barca, who lost 1-0 away to Real Zaragoza on Saturday.

Second-placed Sevilla also slipped up with a goalless draw at home to Racing Santander on Sunday, leaving them a point behind Barca and one ahead of Real with nine games left to play.

"We are getting closer and closer to the top two, and after each game we have more belief that we can win the title," Robinho was quoted as saying in the Spanish media yesterday.

"If we continue playing with this enthusiasm and quality we will surely win the league."

The starting point for Real's change in fortunes was the thrilling 3-3 draw against the champions in the Nou Camp last month.

Since then, they have steadily reeled in the faltering top two with efficient rather than entertaining wins over Gimnastic, Celta Vigo and Osasuna.

One of the key figures in that revival has been Brazilian forward Robinho who has mainly been used as a bit-part player under Fabio Capello. He has scored three goals in the last three games.

"Against Gimnastic and Celta I came on as a second-half substitute, but this isn't the best for me.

"Today (Sunday) I proved I can play well and score when I am on from the start as well," he added.

Wide open

Real sports director Predrag Mijatovic said: "We have been saying that the league is wide open and that anything could happen.

"We have made the most of our opponents' first setbacks. Now we have to see if the luck stays with us."

Real, who have not won a major title since winning the league in 2003, have few distractions.

Barcelona are in the semi-finals of the King's Cup, as are Sevilla, who are also in a UEFA Cup quarter-final.

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