Barcelona's hopes of securing the second Champions League spot in La Liga were dealt a severe blow as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Deportivo.

Second-half goals from Juan Rodriguez and Pablo Amo earned the home side a deserved victory, and left Frank Rijkaard's side third in the table, a point behind Villarreal - who have a game in hand.

The result also had significance for league leaders Real Madrid, who will now be confirmed champions if Villarreal lose at Betis on Sunday.

Deportivo had the better of an open first half, and spurned a glorious chance to go ahead on 26 minutes when Xisco stabbed his shot against the bar from a yard out.

The opportunity followed a mistake from Barcelona's young keeper Jose Pinto, in for the rested Victor Valdes, who flapped at a high ball and presented Fabricio Coloccini with a chance to fire home.

The defender's shot lacked power, but found Xisco lurking inside the six-yard box, only for the striker to stretch out his right leg and find the woodwork.

Barca were not without attacking intent. After 15 minutes, Bojan's clipped pass sent Eidar Gudjohnsen clean through, but the striker lacked composure at the vital moment and the ball became caught up under his feet.

Ultimately, however, the visitors were second-best. Thierry Henry was again ineffective, and Depor's Julian de Guzman and Pablo Amo comprehensively won the midfield battle.

The home side began the second half completely dominant, and went ahead on 54 minutes.

Amo was heavily involved, and his excellent work led to a straightforward opportunity for Juan Rodriguez to slot his first goal of the season from five yards.

Depor doubled their advantage on 76 minutes, when Amo headed home unmarked from a free-kick.

Barca were left to reflect on a woefully unimaginative performance, in which they mustered just one shot on target.

Rijkaard's team have won just four times on their travels in the La Liga this season, and will need to be in vastly superior form for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

REAL MURCIA 0 SEVILLA 0

This scrappy, niggly draw did little to help Murcia's bid to avoid relegation or Sevilla's push for a return to Champions League football next season. Visiting striker Luis Fabiano came closest to scoring when he hit the post in the second half.

Will Tidey / Eurosport