Madrid: Real Madrid celebrated its 31st Spanish league title with a 4-1 victory over FC Barcelona, getting goals from Raul Gonzalez, Arjen Robben, Gonzalo Higuain and Ruud van Nistelrooy to sweep the classic derby series for the first time in 24 years.

Madrid, which clinched the title on Sunday, improved its record against its arch rival to 68-30-58 with only one loss in their last seven meetings. It climbed to 81 points atop the table, 10 better than Villarreal and 17 ahead of third-placed Barcelona.

Jose Maria "Guti" Gutierrez lost possession trying to get by Rafael Marquez in the 13th minute and Raul pounced on the loose ball to shoot past goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

Gonzalo Higuain, added another in the 63rd, less than a minute after replacing Robben.

Substitute Van Nistelrooy converted a penalty in the 78th while Thierry Henry tallied a consolation goal for Barcelona with three minutes remaining.

Barcelona's defeat likely will add to speculation that Frank Rijkaard will not remain as manager of the Catalan club following a second straight season with out a trophy.

At Santander, Federico Fazio scored two goals as Sevilla overtook Racing and temporarily moved into a tie with Atletico Madrid for fourth at 58 points. Atletico plays Thursday against Espanyol.

Racing dropped to sixth with 56 points with the top four teams qualifying for European Cup play.

David Silva, who was ejected with four minutes remaining, scored in the 20th minute as Valencia beat Zaragoza 1-0 to move closer to salvation with four of its relegation opponents failing to win.

Manuel del Moral scored two goals as Getafe rallied from a two-goal deficit for a 4-2 win against Almeria that left it tied with Valencia on 45 points.

Fifteenth-ranked Valladolid, Zaragoza, Recreativo and No. 18 Osasuna were separated by three points in the relegation race with only two games remaining for each.

In yesterday's other 36th-round of games, it was: Racing Santander 0,Sevilla 3; Valencia 1,Zaragoza 0; Getafe 4, Almeria 2; Recreativo Huleva 0,Villarreal 2; Real Betis 1, Valladolid 1; Mallorca 2,Osasuna 1; Deportivo La Coruna 1, Levante 0; and Murcia 1,Athletic Bilbao 2.

Source : PTI