With just three games left in La L i g a , Barcelona are in the pole posi-tion to retain their league title but there is no room for error with eternal rivals Real Madrid breathing down their necks a point behind in second.

Real Madrid are at fourth-placed Real Mallorca on Wednesday in arguably their toughest remaining fixture while Barcelona still have a testing trip to Sevilla on Saturday.

Following their semifinal Champions League exit to Inter Milan the league title is all that remains for Barca who have not managed to hit the heights of last season when they won a unique league, Kings Cup and Champions League treble.

Since losing 2-0 to Barcelona in 'El Clasico' Real Madrid have won the subsequent four games to keep their Bottom side Xerez, five points from safety, could be relegated if they fail to beat Valencia and other results go against them.

A total of nine teams are involved in the relegation battle with 12th placed Osasuna four points above the relegation zone.

Malaga are level on points with third from bottom Tenerife and have a tough trip to San Mames to tackle Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.