David Beckham may still dominate headlines two days after his transfer to Real Madrid, but distraction is the last thing his new club needs as it heads into tomorrow's title decider against Athletic de Bilbao.
Madrid, two points clear of Real Sociedad at the top of the standings, will lift the Spanish League crown for the 29th time if it defeats the Basque club in the final round of matches.
If sixth-place Bilbao, still battling with Barcelona for a UEFA Cup place, manages to snatch at least a point at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, Sociedad will win the championship for the first time since 1982 but only if it defeats No. 11 Atletico de Madrid.
If the two teams finish level on points, Sociedad would take the title on head-to-head results.
The situation is almost a replica of the league of 23 years ago, when Madrid hosted Bilbao and Sociedad played Atletico in the final round. Madrid took the title.
The future of Madrid coach Vicente del Bosque, whose contract ends this month, is reported to hang on tomorrow's result.
A decision over whether to offer del Bosque a new contract is expected to be discussed at a board meeting on Monday.
Bilbao, which has not lost for 10 games, needs a victory to clinch a berth in next season's UEFA Cup, providing the club with its first European action for four seasons.
The Basque club has suffered a troubled week.
German coach Jupp Heynckes announced Tuesday he would move to Schalke 04 after tomorrow's game. A day later, club president Javier Uria died from cancer at the age of 41.
"We have to dedicate a win to him [Uria] at the Bernabeu. It won't be easy to concentrate, but the best thing we can do is give him the present of qualifying for Europe," midfielder Julen Guerrero said.
Sociedad midfielder Xabi Alonso said his team still has a fair chance of winning its first title for 21 years.
"The league is not over for Sociedad. The Bernabeu is a tough stadium to visit but Bilbao has to fight to play in the UEFA Cup and I hope they can win," the Spanish international said.
Unbeaten at home this season, Sociedad would welcome another feeble performance by Atletico, which caved in 4-0 to Madrid last weekend.
The Basque side's hope is that Atletico will not want to assist its archrival Madrid to win the title.
Sociedad striker Darko Kovacevic, who has netted 19 times this season, and midfielder Javi de Pedro are both doubtful through injury.
A Bilbao draw or defeat against Madrid would allow FC Barcelona to grab a UEFA Cup place if it beats fourth-place Celta de Vigo at the Camp Nou on Sunday.
Barcelona's new president Joan Laporta, who failed in his attempts to sign Beckham, will hope the club can avoid participating in the Intertoto Cup this summer.
The Catalan club, which has played in Europe every season since continental competition began in the 1950s, has said it will resort to the low-profile competition if necessary as it provides three UEFA Cup berths.
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