Barcelona beaten; Sevilla held to draw

Deportivo were far superior to their lethargic opponents and won with second-half goals from Juan Rodriguez and Pablo Amo.

 Barca are in their worst Liga run since Frank Rijkaard became coach in 2003.

 They have failed to win in their last five games, picking up just three points out of 15.

 Barca are third in La Liga with just 61 points from 34 games, one point behind second-placed Villarreal and 11 behind Real.

 If Villarreal fail to win Sunday at Betis, Real will have the chance to become champions by beating Athletic Bilbao at home later Sunday.

 Rijkaard rested regulars like Samuel Eto'o, Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez - ahead of Tuesday's showdown against Manchester United - and was rewarded with yet another flat, apathetic display.

 Rodriguez shot Deportivo ahead in the 55th minute on a centre from the lively Angel Lafita.

 Barca failed to react, and Amo made it 2-0 in the 77th minute, heading in a free-kick from Christian Wilhelmsson.

 "When things don't work properly and the scoreboard is against you," said a disappointed Rijaard afterward.

 The surprisingly easy win takes Deportivo up to seventh, just three points behind sixth-placed Sevilla, who were held to a 0-0 draw later Saturday at lowly Murcia.

 Sevilla were hoping to win in Murcia to boost their chances of returning to the Champions League.

 League top scorer Luis Fabiano came close to breaking the deadlock on the hour, but his delicate shot hit the post.

 Sevilla are now one point behind fifth-placed Racing Santander, who are at midtable Mallorca on Sunday.

By Duncan Shaw, dpa