Real loss brings Barca closer to league title

Valencia has thrashed Real Madrid 3-0 at home to give Barcelona a chance at winning the Primera Liga for the 19th time on Sunday. Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas made a brilliant early save, but he was beaten after 29 minutes when Juan Mata scored the opener for Valencia, before David Villa netted a second in the 32nd minute. Ruben Baraja's stunning second-half volley made it 3-0 to secure Valencia's position in fourth place with 59 points. However, Los Che still have tough competition ahead, battling with fifth- and six-placed Atletico Madrid and Villarreal for the last qualifying spot for next season's UEFA Champions League. "This was a massive win for us and we just have to keep pushing for the Champions League spot," said Silva. "Atletico and Villarreal are still in the hunt and we will see what they do (on Sunday). We have done our bit." Real remains second with 78 points and three games left, seven points short of Barcelona, which will grab the title if it beats Villarreal on Sunday. Also on Saturday, third-placed Sevilla beat Mallorca 3-1 at home while Athletic Bilbao secured a 1-0 home win over Real Betis. Athletic coach Joaquin Caparros rested a large number of first-team regulars as the Basque side will face Barcelona in the King's Cup final on Wednesday. "We have to have faith in ourselves and if we are fortunate enough to win we will also have the satisfaction of beating the best team in the world," Caparros said.