STRUGGLING Spanish champions Real Madrid saw their hopes of qualifying for Europe next season suffer another blow yesterday when they lost 2-1 to Espanol.

It was the first time in the long and illustrious history of six times European champions Real that they had lost three consecutive hone league games.

The impact of the result, which virtually assured Espanol or fourth place in the first division and consequently a UEFA Cup place, was softened as most of Real's challengers for a European place also lost.

With leaders Atletico Madrid opening a six-point lead at the top by beating second-placed Barcelona on Saturday night, interest is now centered on the fight for, fifth place, and with it a ticket to Europe.

Espanol went ahead in the 53rd minute when Jordi Lardin, who had already scored five times against Real in league and cup competitions this season, pounced on a mistake at the back and had no problem beating goal-keeper Santiago Canizares.

But Real won a corner straight from the kick-off, midfielder Luis Milla rose to head the ball down and teenage striker Raul Gonzalez deflected it into the Espanol net for an immediate equaliser.

Espanol, however, needed only 30 seconds to take the lead again as Lard in blasted home a superb volley after Ismael Urzaiz had won a high ball in the Real area.

The result did nothing to appease the Bernabeu fans who jeered their team at the end.

Real stayed on 57 points but were joined by Deportivo La Coruna, who won 3-2 at Zaragoza, and Compostela, who beat Real Sociedad 2-0 at home.

Tenerife stayed fifth, five points behind Espanol and four ahead of Real Madrid despite losing 2-0 at Athletic Bilbao.