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 title hopes alive although they needed an 89th minute winner from Cristiano Ronaldo to down Osasuna 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

It was a poor display but Ronaldo's 22nd league goal of the campaign sealed another late win which is something Real have specialised in this season.

“We are going to force Barcelona to get 99 points (they currently have 90) to be champions," promised Real coach Manuel Pellegrini. "My team are in the right frame of mind to win the remaining three games."

Mallorca, currently lie two points above Sevilla in the final Champions League spot, provide stiff opposition for Real especially with home advantage as they have won 14 out of 17 games at their Ono stadium this season.

Racing are just a point above the relegation zone and looking over their shoulders nervously as are a number of teams.

Atletico have reached the final of the Kings Cup and Europa League and it has impacted their league campaign with last season's fourth-placed finishers lying down in 10th. 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.