Real, Barca and Sevilla left to fight it out for title

With two games left, the title race was cut down to a three-horse race last weekend between leaders Real Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla.

Real kept their noses out in front by beating Deportivo 3-1 on Saturday and are in pole position to collect their first major title in four years.

They are level on 72 points with Barcelona but top due to their superior head-to-head record.

UEFA Cup winners and King's Cup finalists Sevilla were relentless in their pursuit of a 3-1 victory over fifth-placed Real Zaragoza and remain two points adrift of the leading pair in third.

Valencia's 3-2 defeat at home to Villarreal ended their challenge, leaving them fourth on 65 points.

The top four have all guaranteed themselves a place in the Champions League qualifiers at least.

All eyes are now focused on the remaining games which are delayed until after the Euro 2008 qualifiers on June 2 and 6.

Real have to visit bogey team Zaragoza and end with a home match against mid-table side Real Mallorca.

"The importance of the Zaragoza game is massive," said Real striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Barca have a city derby at home to Espanyol and a trip to relegated Gimnastic but may have to do without Ronaldinho who was sent off on Saturday. The Brazilian's red card for lashing out in retaliation could prove costly if he receives a two-match suspension.

Sevilla are waiting in the wings for slip-ups, and are away to Mallorca and home to UEFA Cup-chasing Villarreal in their last two fixtures.

"Our objective was the Champions League but we are going to continue fighting. The next step is second place and then if we can, the title," said Sevilla coach Juande Ramos.