Sevilla 2 - Real Madrid 2

Sevilla: Notario; Daniel Alves, Sergio Ramos, Javi Navarro, David; Renato (Makukula 84'), Martí; Jesús Navas, Baptista, Adriano (Jesuli 64'); Antoñito (Darío Silva 68'). 4-2-3-1.
Madrid: Casillas; Michel Salgado, Iván Helguera, Samuel, Roberto Carlos; Beckham, Gravesen (Guti 60'), Zidane; Raúl; Owen (Figo 60'), Ronaldo. 4-3-1-2.

Team changes: Sevilla: Javi Navarro, Renato, Antoñito for David Prieto, Jordi, Darío Silva / Madrid: No change.

Goals:
1-0. 19. Sergio Ramos. Shot from 35 metres into top corner from short free kick.
1-1. 41. Navarro (own goal). Headed Roberto Carlos cross down past own keeper.
1-2. 74. Zidane. Won ball outside area and fired spectacular shot in off crossbar.
2-2. 88. Baptista. Ran on to return pass from Navas to head down past Casillas.

Real Madrid finally conceded defeat in their battle against Barcelona for the league title after they were held to a 2-2 draw by fourth placed Sevilla, and two hours later a similar result by their rivals at Levante meant that the Catalans were crowned champions. Luxemburgo's side had strung together an impressive run of seven wins in a row before this game, but Barcelona had responded every time, and with the clock running down they really needed to win in the Sánchez Pizjuán stadium to have any chance of catching their old enemies.

The visiting coach kept to his winning formation, with a three-pronged attack and Figo on the bench. But the Andalusians were also in need of a victory to keep up their push for a Champions League spot, and they dominated the opening minutes with Baptista firing a free kick into the wall, Antoñito heading over and Jesús Navas bringing a good save out of Casillas. And with just under twenty minutes gone they took the lead with a formidable shot by Sergio Ramos following a short Navas free kick, the ball flying inside the post out of the reach of the diving keeper.

Casillas was in action a minute later to keep out a long shot from Antoñito, but after that Madrid finally got a grip, and Ronaldo fired a shot just wide of Notario's post. And with the first half coming to an end they got the equaliser they were looking for, Javi Navarro (who was just returning from a five match ban) heading Roberto Carlos's cross past his own keeper under pressure from Michael Owen.

Both managers made changes early in the second half as the two sides fought for possession. Casillas did well to ave from Baptista, and Ronaldo had a penalty appeal rejected by referee Pérez Burrull when he was brought down by Javi Navarro. But with a quarter of an hour to go Madrid took the lead after Zidane picked up the ball in midfield and unleashed a spectacular shot which thundered in off the underside of the crossbar.

Caparrós pushed his men forward, Sergio Ramos heading a good chance wide and Baptista putting another effort wide of the post. But with the visitors defending furiously, Baptista slid the ball out to Jesús Navas and ran forward to get on the end of the winger's return cross to head wide of Casillas. The title was effectively Barcelona's, and Madrid's frustrations were evident when Iván Helguera got himself sent off for an injury time foul on Darío Silva. Sevilla were happy with their point though, and they move up to third pending Sunday's games.