Real stay top, Barca destroy Atletico

MADRID, May 20 (Reuters) Real Madrid held on to the leadership of the Primera Liga by the skin of their teeth after a last-gasp 3-2 win over Recreativo Huelva today.

Real looked as though they might lose top spot after Recre fought back from 2-0 down to level at 2-2 with five minutes to go, but Brazilian fullback Roberto Carlos snatched a vital win when he dinked home in injury time.

Barcelona, who relinquished top spot after last weekend's 1-1 draw at home to Real Betis, bounced back with a 6-0 destruction of Atletico Madrid, to inflict a heaviest ever home defeat on the rojiblancos.

With three games left to play, Real are level on 69 points with Barcelona, but they lead the standing thanks to their better head-to-head record. Both teams are now assured of a place in the Champions League qualifiers next season.

UEFA Cup winners Sevilla are just two points further back, staying in the hunt for the title with a 2-1 comeback win at Deportivo Coruna courtesy of late goals from Renato and leading striker Frederic Kanoute.

Valencia are in fourth on 65, just four behind the leaders after their 1-0 win away to Real Mallorca yesterday.

Reuters KK VP0315