Osasuna stay in the drop zone after a last-gasp 2-1 defeat at Real Mallorca, although Recreativo are in front of them only because of a better head-to-head record.

Real Zaragoza also remain in danger after losing 1-0 at Valencia but Getafe eased their relegation worries after coming from two goals down to claim a 4-2 win at home to Almeria to move up to 14th place.

BARCA INTIMIDATED

Barca had to clap Real on to the pitch at the start of their game in the traditional tribute to the league champions and they appeared strangely intimidated when the game began.

Real seemed to suffer no hangover from their late night title celebrations on Sunday and took immediate control, bossing the midfield and causing Barca's shaky defence several early scares.

It came as little surprise when Real took the lead after 13 minutes, Raul curling a shot around goalkeeper Victor Valdes after Guti's pass had ricocheted off Barca defender Rafael Marquez.

Barca, without the suspended Samuel Eto'o and Deco and the injured Gabriel Milito and Andres Iniesta, appeared powerless to respond and Real took advantage of more uncertain defending eight minutes later.

Guti whipped a free kick into the area and Dutch winger Robben nodded the ball past Valdes to score his second headed goal in two games.

The third came 17 minutes into the second half, Higuain, who hit the winner in Real's dramatic 2-1 comeback win at Osasuna on Sunday, scoring within a minute of stepping into the action.

The Argentine ran on to a neat ball from Mahamadou Diarra, darted between two defenders and coolly lifted the ball past the helpless Valdes.

Van Nistelrooy, making his return after six weeks out with an ankle injury, wrapped up the win from the penalty spot 11 minutes from time after Carles Puyol handled in the area.

Thierry Henry scored a late goal for Barca but it was little consolation for a side who were outclassed and finished the game with 10 men when midfielder Xavi was sent off in stoppage time.

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily May 8, 2008)