Deportivo stay in title hunt, Rayo, Alaves down

Deportivo Coruna kept their slim title hopes alive with a 3-2 victory at home to Atletico Madrid on Sunday, while at the other end of the table Rayo Vallecano and Alaves both lost their battles to avoid the drop.

Deportivo were reduced to 10 men after six minutes but they twice came from behind and snatched a late winner through Juan Carlos Valeron.

That took Javier Irureta's side to within three points of leaders Real Sociedad and second-placed Real Madrid, who drew 1-1 at home to Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Real Madrid's failure to beat Celta leaves Sociedad the chance to move three points clear at the top with two games left to play if they can beat Valencia in a later game on Sunday.

While Deportivo were doing just enough to stay in with a chance of the title, a 2-0 victory for Osasuna at Valladolid sealed the fate of Rayo and Alaves.

The two sides went into the 36th round of matches needing victory, plus a favour from Valladolid, to stand a chance of playing first division football next term.

In the end, neither side of the equation worked out.

While goals from Cesar Palacios and Valdo were taking Osasuna to victory, Rayo were drawing 1-1 away to Real Mallorca and Alaves were going down 1-0 at home to Real Betis.