By Khilen Mehta

A magnificent goal from the halfway line by Marcos Senna kept alive Villareal’s slim yet mathematical hopes of winning the Championship. However, a win for Real next week against Osasuna will ensure that the league trophy will remain in the Bernabeu trophy room for a second consecutive year.

Betis keeper Castro was just a few yards off his line when the Spanish midfielder unexpectedly shot from the halfway line and caught the goalkeeper completely by surprise. Chances followed for both sides but Senna´s wonder goal meant the title race continues for one more week at least.

The wins keeps the Castellón outfit above Barcelona, whose hopes of regaining the title have now evaporated in the wake of Saturday’s below-par 2-0 defeat against Deportivo at the Riazor. Ahead of their crucial Champions League tie against Manchester United, confidence is low at the Nou Camp and many are doubting their credentials.

In Madrid last night, Real came away with a 3-0 victory, but were very grateful to a first half penalty save from Iker Casillas which prevented Athletic Bilbao from equalising. However with just victory needed against Osasuna next week to seal the title for Real, surely the champagne won’t be kept on ice for too much longer.