A makeshift Barcelona team fell to a 2-0 loss at Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, meaning Real Madrid had the chance to win the title yesterday if results went their way.
With one eye on tomorrow’s Champions League semi-final against Manchester United, coach Frank Rijkaard rested several key players — such as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi — and the second string were second best against a motivated Depor team.
Wrestling second spot from Villarreal, a point ahead with a game in hand, is one challenge for Barca, but top priority is now the Champions League.
PHOTO: AP
The second string team saw Spaniard Jose Pinto, virtually unknown to Barca supporters, start in goal, but there was still some quality on show with three World Cup winners in Thierry Henry, Gianluca Zambrotta and Lilian Thuram.
Eidur Gudjohnsen, a fringe player hoping to impress, should have scored on 12 minutes but lifted an effort over the crossbar.
Barca dominated possession, but Depor went close to breaking the deadlock on the half hour mark when Xisco hit the crossbar.
Bojan Krkic then spurned a great chance delaying his shot too long.
The misses proved costly as Juan Rodriguez side-footed home at the beginning of the second half after some woeful Barca marking.
Pablo Amo added a second as Depor, who have been fighting relegation for most of the season, moved to within two points of the final UEFA Cup spot.
Sevilla now have Depor breathing down their necks, but they are more concerned about missing out on the Champions League following a 0-0 draw against Real Murcia on Saturday.
Sevilla are two points behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, who have a game in hand.
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