Real stay top with dramatic 3-2 win at Recre

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MADRID, May 20 (Reuters) Real Madrid held on to the leadership of the Primera Liga by the skin of their teeth after a dramatic, 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.

With three games left to play, Real top the table on 69 points, two ahead of Sevilla who stayed in the hunt for the title with a 2-1 comeback win at Deportivo Coruna.

Barcelona, with a game in hand and playing away to Atletico Madrid later, were third on 66 and Valencia fourth on 65 after their 1-0 win away to Real Mallorca yesterday.

Real knew they had to deliver the goods after Sevilla's win at Deportivo and they made a perfect start when the unmarked Robinho headed in from six metres after David Beckham whipped in a fine curling cross from the right in the ninth minute.

The former England captain proceeded to cause the Recreativo back four a host of problems with his dangerous inswinging crosses.

Real extended their lead eight minutes into the second half when Recre keeper Bertrand Laquait brought down Robinho with an unnecessary challenge as the Brazilian raced towards the goalline.

Ruud van Nistelrooy sent Laquait the wrong way with his spot kick to take his tally for the season to 22 goals.

Recre pulled one back when Jesus Vazquez converted a penalty after substitute Ikechukwu Uche was brought down by Sergio Ramos and Real began to look a little nervous.

Uche, who ran the Real defence ragged in the final quarter, made it 2-2 when he headed in from a corner, but Real, who had snatched last-gasp wins over Espanyol and Sevilla in their previous two league outings, refused to throw in the towel.

With practically their last throw of the dice, Roberto Carlos clipped in past Laquait after Fernando Gago had put him in the clear with a clever turn and pass on the edge of the area.

Reuters KK VP0100