Real set for desperate battle, Sevilla in Champions League slip-up

Sevilla spurned a chance to secure a Champions League place following a 0-0 draw at Osasuna on Saturday before attention switched to Real Madrid’s attempts to stop Barcelona claiming the title.

Both Sevilla and Osasuna hit the woodwork with home defender Javier Flano curling a shot against the bar on the half hour mark while Sevilla forward Luis Fabiano rattled the crossbar with a header in the final quarter hour.

Sevilla midfielder Koffi Romaric was sent off for a second yellow card in the 82nd minute before Osasuna defender Sergio Gonzalez was handed a straight red in the dying seconds as frustrations boiled over.

Sevilla move five points ahead of fourth-placed Valencia who face Atletico Madrid, a point behind, on Sunday. Osasuna continue to hover above the drop zone sitting fourth from bottom three points clear of the final relegation spot.

Later on Saturday, Real Madrid travel to Villarreal in the knowledge that anything other a win will gift the title to bitter rivals Barcelona.

Barcelona, who won the Kings Cup on Wednesday, are currently eight points ahead and a Real slip-up or a Barcelona draw at Real Mallorca on Sunday will secure a 19th league title.

Villarreal will be fired up for the Real game needing a win to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

Real are already thinking about next season with speculation about who Florentino Perez will buy if, as expected, he is elected president this summer.

Current coach Juande Ramos has kept quiet on his future until this week when he admitted that the 6-2 thrashing by Barcelona had probably ended his chances of staying in the job.

“I can’t understand that two weeks ago I was a strong candidate to coach Real Madrid but after losing against Barcelona I am no longer worthy,” said Ramos.

Barca, Real and Sevilla appear to have the top three spots wrapped up leaving Valencia, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal battling for the final Champions League berth.

Atletico Madrid host Valencia, a point ahead in fourth, on Sunday in a crucial match for both teams.

Elsewhere Saturday, Getafe rued a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Deportivo La Coruna at the Riazor Stadium.

Former Real Madrid striker Roberto Soldado put Getafe ahead in the first minute of the second half and the visitors looked set to move six points clear of the relegation places.

However, Riki levelled in the 85th minute as Depor salvaged a point.

La Coruna move two points off the top four although a UEFA Cup place looks the more realistic target.