La Liga - Preview: Levante threaten Madrid strike

Eurosport - Fri, 16 May 13:29:00 2008

Real Madrid's final match of the season is in doubt as players from cash-strapped Levante have announced they will strike unless they are paid money owed to them dating back to last season.

FOOTBALL 2007-2008 Entrenamiento del Levante - 0

The players have said they are owed 18 million euros and will only play if given an immediate guarantee they will receive 13 million of that amount.

Meanwhile Madrid skipper Raul, the club's top scorer this season with 18 league goals, has accepted that he will not be included in the Spain squad for Euro 2008.

"My next objective is to rest up and then prepare myself for next season," the striker said.

Atletico Madrid could still finish in third place if they win away against Valencia on Sunday and Barcelona do not beat relegated Real Murcia. Barca have won just one of their last eight Liga matches.

Racing Santander will qualify for Europe for the first time if they beat Osasuna at home on Sunday.

Any one of Real Zaragoza, Osasuna, Recreativo and Valladolid could fill the final relegation berth and join Levante and Murcia in the second division next season.

Zaragoza are away at high-flying Mallorca, Osasuna travel to Racing and Recre are at home to Valladolid.

Murcia coach Javier Clemente is expected to extend his contract for another two years despite the team's relegation.

The former Spain coach took charge in early March when they were second from bottom, six points from safety.

They remain in the same position in the table, but are now 12 points behind Zaragoza and 13 adrift of Osasuna, who are just above the drop zone.

Reuters