If Real Madrid go on to clinch the Spanish title next weekend, it will be thanks in large part to a never-say-die determination and an iron-self belief that has been instilled in the team by coach Fabio Capello.
It will also be courtesy of Barcelona's new-found ability to relinquish winning positions late in matches. Real looked as though they had waved goodbye to their title hopes as they trailed Real Zaragoza 2-1 in the dying minutes of last night's match at La Romareda, while Barca led city rivals Espanyol by the same score at the Nou Camp.
But while Real gritted their teeth and piled forward in search of an equaliser, Barca went weak at the knees and lost their concentration as they prayed for the final whistle.
Real were rewarded for their efforts when Ruud van Nistelrooy struck his 25th goal of the season when he stabbed home from close range in the 89th minute, but it was still not enough to put them top of the table. Thirty seconds later, however, Barca made a defensive error that is likely to end up costing them the league title.
Defenders Carles Puyol and Lilian Thuram dropped their guard as Francisco Rufete picked up the ball outside the area, and were left stranded when he slipped a neat through ball to Raul Tamudo on the right.
The Espanyol striker did the rest, scoring his record 112th goal for the club when he drilled a low-angled shot past Victor Valdes. With one game remaining each, the sides are level on 73 points, but Madrid lead through a better head-to-head record in this season's matches between the bitter rivals.
"The game just about sums up our season," Barca midfielder Xavi told reporters after the match. "We've breathed life into Real Madrid throughout the season and tonight we've done it again. "There's one match left to play, but we've gifted Real the league title." Puyol agreed with his team mate's analysis.
"We've been inconsistent all year because we've struggled to string victories together," the club captain said. "We've had our chance and failed to take advantage, while Madrid have done their work." Real, on the other hand, could hardly contain their delight. "It was unbelievable, what happened isn't normal," Van Nistelrooy said.
"We were lucky, but this team has guts and determination. We never give up and we've got to take advantage of this opportunity." While Real president Ramon Calderon ran down on to the pitch to do a lap of honour in front of the visiting fans, Capello was careful to warn against any premature celebrations.
"We haven't won anything yet," the Italian said. "There's still one game left." Next weekend, Real host mid-table Mallorca while Barcelona travel to relegated Gimnastic