MADRID (AFP) - A makeshift Barcelona team fell to a 2-0 loss at Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday meaning Real Madrid now have the chance to win the title on Sunday if results go their way.

With one eye on Tuesday's Champions League semi-final against Manchester United coach Frank Rijkaard rested several key players - such as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi - and the second string were second best against a motivated Depor team.

Barca stay 11 points behind Real in third and the reigning champions can wrap up a 31st championship on Sunday if they beat Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal fail to win at Real Betis on the same day.

Wrestling second spot from Villarreal, a point ahead with a game in hand, is one challenge for Barca but top priority is now the Champions League.

Barca drew 0-0 in the first leg at Camp Nou and go to Old Trafford looking for a vital away goal to help them reach the Moscow final.

"If we create chances the goals will come," said Rijkaard. "We had a team out there to do a job but after the tough game a few days ago (against Manchester United) it was difficult.

"We had players who had not played much and some missing for obvious reasons."

Messi, Samuel Eto'o, Xavi, Iniesta, Gaby Milito, Deco and Victor Valdes were all notable absentees in the Barca line-up with Rijkaard clearly keeping them fresh for Manchester United.

The second string team saw Spaniard Jose Pinto, virtually unknown to Barca supporters, start in goal but there was still some quality on show with three World Cup winners in Thierry Henry, Gianluca Zambrotta and Lilian Thuram.

Eidur Gudjohnsen, a fringe player hoping to impress, should have scored on 12 minutes but lifted an effort over the crossbar.

Barca dominated possession but Depor went close to breaking the deadlock on the half hour mark when Xisco hit the crossbar.

Bojan Krkic then spurned a great chance delaying his shot too long.

The misses proved costly as Juan Rodriguez side-footed home at the beginning of the second half with some woeful Barca marking.

Pablo Amo added a second as Depor, who have been fighting relegation for most of the season, moved two points from the final UEFA Cup spot.

Sevilla now have Depor breathing down their necks but they are more concerned about missing out on the Champions League following a 0-0 draw against Real Murcia on Saturday.

"We have to believe we can make the Champions League but now it is going to be difficult," said Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano.

Sevilla are two points behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid but the capital side can pull away with victory at derby rivals Getafe on Sunday.

Racing Santander are just a point behind Atletico but also have a difficult trip to Real Mallorca on the same day.

Valencia were in the Champions League quarter-finals last season but the Kings Cup winners are trying to stay in the league when they face Osasuna on Sunday.

Valencia are just two points above the drop zone and hope the dismissal of under-performing manager Ronald Koeman can keep them in the top-flight.