MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid were unable to clinch a 31st Spanish title on Sunday but their 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao means they can retain their 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 champions 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 they were also indebted to goalkeeper Iker Casillas for a crucial first half penalty save.
Real stay ten points ahead of Villarreal with just 12 points to play for and know that they 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 they are now four points ahead of third-placed Barcelona who lost 2-0 at Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday.
"It is our duty to keep second and ensure direct qualification to the Champions League," said Pellegrini.
"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 40 metres out.
Valencia can breathe a little easier as caretaker coach Salvador 'Voro' Gonzalez guided the struggling giants closer to safety following a convincing 3-0 home win over Osasuna on Sunday.
Valencia are one of the biggest clubs in Spain, winning domestic titles in 2002 and 2004 under Rafa Benitez, but are 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.
"The team has eased the pressure but we have not achieved anything," said Voro.
"This victory does not solve all our problems."
Racing Santander coach Marcelino is tipped to take over at Valencia next season and his team stay in the hunt for a Champions League spot despite a 3-1 loss at Real Mallorca.
Racing are two points off the final Champions League place after Atletico Madrid drew 1-1 at neighbours Getafe.
Getafe, conquerors of Real and Barca this season, went ahead through Juan Albin but Argentine Kun Aguero equalised.
"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 hold onto the final Champions League spot with four games left but Racing are 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 are set to join Levante in the second division with the club ten points from safety with just 12 left to play for.
Recreativo are now two points clear of the drop zone with Real Zaragoza currently occupying the final relegation spot after a 1-1 draw against Espanyol on Sunday.
