Real crushes Bilbao but must wait for title

MADRID: Real Madrid was unable to clinch a 31st Spanish title on Sunday but its 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao means it can retain the crown with victory at Osasuna next weekend.

Villarreal's 1-0 win at Real Betis, courtesy of a wonder goal from Marcos Senna, denied Real the opportunity to be crowned champion and Bernd Schuster's team must wait another week.

"We wanted to win the title tonight at home in front of our own fans. It would have been perfect and it is a shame," said Schuster.

"However, the important thing is we won and now everything is in our hands next weekend. We knew we couldn't be champions shortly before but the team didn't let that affect them. We are so close after this win."

Goals from Javier Saviola, who could be on his way out this summer, Arjen Robben and Gonzalo Higuain gave Real the spoils against Bilbao but it was also indebted to goalkeeper Iker Casillas for a crucial first half penalty save.

Real stays 10 points ahead of Villarreal with just 12 points to play for and knows that it will lift the championship with victory over Osasuna regardless of what Villarreal do.

In fact a draw would be enough should Villarreal fail to beat Getafe.

"I am delighted because we took another small step and we can enjoy this week now," said goal hero Higuain. "To be honest I would rather win the league next weekend than against Barcelona - the sooner the better."

A chorus of "champions" rang around the Santiago Bernabeu and the players hugged each other in the knowledge that the title is theirs.

Manuel Pellegrini's team guaranteed Champions League qualification with the Betis triumph and it is now four points ahead of third-placed Barcelona which lost 2-0 at Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday.

"It is our duty to keep second and ensure direct qualification to the Champions League," Pellegrini said.

"It was important to open up the four point gap over Barcelona and we have to build on that against Getafe next weekend."

Senna's strike - a late goal of the season contender - was worthy to win any game with the Spanish international lobbing the goalkeeper from 40m out.

Valencia can breathe a little easier as caretaker coach Salvador "Voro" Gonzalez guided the struggling giant closer to safety following a convincing 3-0 home win over Osasuna on Sunday.

Valencia is one of the biggest clubs in Spain, winning domestic titles in 2002 and 2004 under Rafa Benitez, but is fighting relegation after one win in 10 games under ex-coach Roland Koeman.

Koeman was sacked this week and the change worked with a David Villa penalty and further goals from Mata and Joaquin sealing three vital points as Valencia moved four points clear of the drop.

Racing Santander coach Marcelino is tipped to take over at Valencia next season and his team stays in the hunt for a Champions League spot despite a 3-1 loss at Real Mallorca.

Racing is two points off the final Champions League place after Atletico Madrid drew 1-1 at neighbor Getafe.

Getafe, conqueror of Real and Barca this season, went ahead through Juan Albin but Argentine Kun Aguero equalized.

"I don't know if a point will be enough (for the Champions League) but we didn't deserve more," said Atletico coach Javier Aguirre. "It is one more week out the way but we need to improve."

Atletico holds onto the final Champions League spot with four games left but Racing is just two points behind with Sevilla a further point back.

Elsewhere Levante became the first team to be relegated from the Spanish top-flight after a 2-0 defeat against Recreativo Huelva.

Real Murcia is set to join Levante in the second division with the club 10 points from safety with just 12 left to play for.

AFP

(China Daily 04/29/2008 page22)