Spanish Soccer: Madrid on the brink of La Liga title

Madrid, Spain (Sports Network) - Real Madrid can clinch its first La Liga title since the 2002-03 season on Sunday at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu with a win against Mallorca.
Madrid looked to have squandered its title hopes last week as they trailed Real Zaragoza 2-1 in the game's final minutes. However, a late Ruud van Nistelrooy goal allowed Madrid to claim a point, while Barcelona conceded a late equalizer against Espanyol to prevent the Catalan side from moving into the top spot.
Despite the lucky break, Madrid earned its spot in the drivers seat by winning nine of its last 11 games and now the team just needs a win against middle-of- the-table Mallorca at home to secure the crown.
Fabio Capello's men have been a different team since David Beckham was brought back into the lineup, and the British midfielder will once again be looking to set up strikers Robinho and Van Nistelrooy.
The Dutchman in particular has enjoyed a resurgence since Beckham's return, scoring four goals in the team's last three games to carry the offense.
Three points should be in the cards for Madrid, which would give them the title, but if Mallorca jumps up and surprises Capello's men, Barcelona is in a great spot to pounce.
Barca cannot dwell on the fact that they once again missed an opportunity to move to the top. They instead must focus on their contest this week against last-placed Gimnastic. The Catalan side came away with a 3-0 win in the first meeting between the two clubs, and there is no reason for any other result on Sunday.
Gimnastic is already headed down next season and with Barca having plenty of incentive to win, they should take all three points easily. However, they must rely on Mallorca to earn at least a draw to have a chance.