MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid had to postpone their title celebrations for another week after Villarreal's 1-0 win at Real Betis denied Bernd Schuster's side the chance to be crowned champions on Sunday.
If Villarreal had failed to win Real would have been able to wrap up their 31st championship with a home victory over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
However, a sensational goal from Marcos Senna helped Villarreal guarantee Champions League football next season and it could be direct qualification if they can hold onto second.
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.
It was a fortunate win for Villarreal, who move four points ahead of Barcelona, 2-0 losers at Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, and seven behind Real who have a game in hand.
"It is our duty to keep second and ensure direct qualification to the Champions League," said Villarreal boss Manuel Pellegrini.
"It was important to open up the four point gap over Barcelona and we have to build on that against Getafe next weekend."
Real will be keen to dispatch Bilbao in the late match at the Santiago Bernabeu and then clinch the title next weekend at struggling Osasuna.
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 for Atletico with his 17th goal of the season.
"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 goalkeeper Leo Franco saved a late Ruben de la Red penalty as the capital side 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.
Levante players agreed to call off a strike over unpaid wages but they still fell to a defeat that seals their relegation.
Barring a miracle 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.
