Beckham on the brink after night of drama

The Los Angeles Galaxy-bound former England captain played 90 minutes of his side's incredible 2-2 Primera Liga draw at Real Zaragoza.

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Trailing twice and with title rivals Barcelona winning against Espanyol, Real's title hopes looked to be all but extinguished.

But ex-Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy's double and a late equaliser for Espanyol at the Nou Camp ensured Real go into the final round of games next Sunday top of the table.

Level on points with Barca, a home win against Real Mallorca will guarantee Beckham a title winner's medal.

However, the 32-year-old's participation next weekend could be in doubt after he appeared to aggravate the ankle injury picked up during England's 3-0 European Championship qualifying win against Estonia on Wednesday.

Barcelona appeared to be in line to take over at the top only to concede a late equaliser. It was nothing more than the visitors deserved after an enterprising display which threatened to flounder at the feet and the hand of Leo Messi.

The Argentinian had earlier equalised Tamudo's opener with a blatant handball which was missed by the match officials.

Messi then put Frank Rijkaard's side in front only for Espanyol captain Tamudo to slip the ball past Victor Valdes to stun the Nou Camp crowd.

Sevilla remain the third team in contention even though they too were held, 0-0 at Real Mallorca. Juande Ramos' men are two points off the pace with just one round of fixtures to go.

Villarreal beat Athletic Bilbao 3-1 thanks to two strikes from former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan, the first from the penalty spot, and an Aldekoaotalora Ustaritz own goal.

Atletico Madrid started the day in sixth but slipped out of the UEFA Cup spots after going down 3-2 at home to Celta Vigo, while Real Betis were crushed 5-0 at home by Osasuna.

Real Sociedad are on the brink of relegation after missing a penalty and failing to utilise a two-man advantage against Racing Santander.

In the 86th minute Santander's Victor Vitolo and Felipe Melo were shown red cards and Sociedad were awarded a potentially season-saving penalty.

But, with the stakes piled high, Mikel Alonso struck tamely at Juan Calatayud and Real finished with a point when they should have had three.

Valencia will have three key men suspended for their final match of the season after Santiago Canizares, Roberto Ayala and Carlos Marchena were all sent off in the lost 4-2 at Levante.

Olivier Kapo also saw red for the hosts, who eventually prevailed thanks largely to two goals from Mustapha Riga.