Owen: Barcelona now feel Real Madrid pressure

Michael Owen was on the mark as Real Madrid thumped Barcelona 4-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu last night.

Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo's brave decision to play an attacking trident of Raul, Ronaldo and Owen paid dividends as all three, plus Zinedine Zidane, scored in the romp.

The triumph will give Madrid a huge morale boost in the run-in to the end of the season, but they could still have reasons to regret Ronaldinho's late 72nd-minute free kick which established the final score.

With individual goal difference separating the teams in the event of a draw at the end of the campaign, that goal gave Barca what could be a vital edge. "I am very happy by the victory and the goal," declared Owen afterwards. "We are now closer to Barcelona. We will continue pressing until the end to try to win the Liga. We still have a chance."

"The goal was important and I believe it gives us a great chance of reaching the top."

Real coach Luxemburgo also said: "The team produced an excellent performance to beat a team that is very difficult to break down.

"We were very motivated in front of a full house. The result is very important."

"If Barcelona had won today, then the Liga was over."