Primera Liga round-up

Anything other than a Madrid victory would have seen Barcelona crowned Spanish champions for the third successive season, but the Primera Liga's leading scorer Ronaldo ensured that would not be the case.

The world's most expensive player, who scored four times in Saturday's 6-2 win at Sevilla, netted in the 24th, 58th and 90th minutes to take his tally to the season to 36 - two short of equalling the La Liga record.

Karim Benzema also got on the scoresheet seconds after coming on as a substitute as Madrid closed the gap on leaders Barca to five points.

Juan Carlos Valeron inspired Deportivo La Coruna to a stirring fightback as the Galicians came from a goal down to beat Athletic Bilbao with two own goals to boost their hopes of top-flight survival.

Deportivo, who started the day in the drop zone with just 39 points, suffered an early setback as Gaizka Toquero gave Athletic the lead after three minutes.

But led by Valeron, who rolled back the years with an outstanding playmaking performance, Depor fought back and claimed three vital points following own-goals from Carlos Gurpegi and Xabier Castillo.

Goals from Kennedy Bakircioglu and Markus Rosenborg saw Racing Santander come from a goal down to beat Atletico Madrid and guarantee their La Liga status for another season.

However, the result is a blow to Atletico's hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Europa League as they remain on the same points as sixth-placed Sevilla who visit Osasuna on Wednesday.

Quique Sanchez Flores' side took the lead early on through Mario Suarez but Bakircioglu and Rosenborg overturned the deficit with Giovanni dos Santos a constant menace in the second half.

Malaga look certain to secure La Liga survival after winning their fifth game on the bounce on Tuesday - a 2-0 victory at home to Sporting Gijon.

Manuel Pellegrini's side were in big trouble not so long ago, but have been in great form of late, particularly since the return from injury of striker Julio Baptista.

The Brazilian set the Andalusians on their way with the opening goal after nine minutes and Eliseu Pereira made sure of victory with a second in the second half.