Far from over

Real cautious after gaining edge in title race

MADRID (Reuters) -- Real Madrid coach Vicente del Bosque was keen to stress that the race for the Spanish title was far from over despite his side gaining the upper hand following this weekend's league action.

Real's 4-0 thrashing of neighbor Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad's 3-2 defeat at Champions League-bound Celta Vigo meant that with just one game left to play Del Bosque's side has a two-point advantage at the top of the table.

Real goes into its final game of the season against Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabeu next weekend knowing that if it wins or matches Sociedad's result at home to Atletico Madrid it will be assured of a 29th league title.

"We certainly can't say that the league is ours," a typically downbeat Del Bosque said. "We have a very difficult game against Athletic to come and they are still playing for a place in the UEFA Cup.

"What is clear, though, is that we have now got a clear advantage in the title race."

Ronaldo, who like strike partner Raul helped himself to a neatly taken double in the match at the Calderon, echoed his coach's sentiments.

"There is still a game to go and we still have to beat Athletic," he said. "We don't feel that we are champions yet.

"The whole season has been a battle and we have been up and down so we will have to wait for the very last game to see if we win in the end."

The title appeared to slip from the grasp of rival Real Sociedad after it came unstuck against a determined Celta.

Late fightback

The Galicians went 2-0 up thanks to goals from inspirational Russian midfielder Alexander Mostovoi and although Sociedad staged a late fightback it was unable to stop the home side running out a 3-2 winner and securing a first ever place in the Champions League.

Sociedad coach Raynald Denoueix has not, however, given up all hope of seeing his side take the title on the final day of the season.

"The truth is I don't have the feeling that we have said goodbye to the league and where there's life there's hope. There is still a game left and it would be great to take the league in our own Anoeta stadium."

Sociedad president Jose Luis Astiazaran also remained optimistic about his side's chances, saying that he hoped fellow Basques Athletic Bilbao would give his team a helping hand when they play Real Madrid.

"It has been a fantastic season and for the fans the team are already champions," he said. "We still have a chance of the title and we have faith that Athletic will be able to do us a favor."

 

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