Liga Preview: Real Madrid v Athletic Bilbao

So this is it. The moment of truth. A win at home to Athletic Bilbao will see Real Madrid win the 30th Liga title in their history.

Lucky for challengers Real Sociedad that the Merengues meet a team who have a big incentive to get a result. For Bilbao with a win will qualify for the Uefa Cup.

What a week it's been for Real Madrid. On Tuesday the signing of David Beckham was announced, and it must be said that the deal has overshadowed the build-up to this game. Perhaps that will even work in the club's favor. Nonetheless Beckham apologised on Thursday for the hype that surrounded the move. Hardly his fault, but still.

If Beckham was watching last Sunday as Real handed out a vicious 4-0 thrashing to neighbours Atletico, he couldn't have failed to have been impressed. Admittedly Atletico were atrocious, but the likes of Luis Figo and Ronaldo put on a show to remember as the Merengues demonstrated the Madrid class divide. It was good to see the Portuguese winger playing like his old self. Doubt still surrounds his future, however, after the signing of Beckham.

But it is the present that counts right now. Sociedad, after their defeat to Celta trail Madrid by two points, meaning if Vicente Del Bosque's side pick the win in this match, it's second-place for the Basques. If, however, Real were to drop any points, a victory for Sociedad against Atletico would give them the title.

Bilbao coach Jupp Heynckes will take charge of his last game for the club after it was announced this week that he had signed a two-year contract with Schalke.

"I have agreed to take over Schalke," he said. "I thought Bilbao would be my last coaching job because my wife and I have moved house 16 times but in the end it wasn't to be. But I am happy to be back in the Bundesliga after so many years - especially with Schalke."

A draw may not be enough for his side to make the Uefa Cup, as if Barcelona beat Celta Vigo at home, they would take the spot thanks to their better head-to-head record against Bilbao this season.

FORM GUIDE

Real Madrid: Last Six Matches: DLWWDW

Three wins in four against Malaga, Valencia and Atletico have put Del Bosque's men on the brink of the title. The dropped points came at home to a defensive Celta side.

Athletic Bilbao: Last Six Matches: WDWWDW

Goals are not in short supply. The victories came against Osasuna, Alaves, Racing Santander and Deportivo La Coruna, while draws were attained against Valladolid and Villarreal.