Sociedad aim to hold nerve in title race photo-finish

With the race for the Spanish title heading for a photo-finish, Real Sociedad and Real Madrid know that any slip-up could hand the decisive advantage to their rivals.

Sociedad lead Real by a point with just three games left, and the Basque side have the added advantage that if the pair are level on points at the end of the season they will take the title because of their better record in head-to-heads.

Sociedad will be aiming to hold their nerve when they take on Valencia at home on Sunday, while Real host high-flying Celta Vigo at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

Sociedad have withstood the pressure well, with a four-game winning streak giving them the edge.

But Ronaldo, who scored both goals in Real's gritty 2-1 win over Valencia at the Mestalla last week, believes that last season's champions are likely to provide a major obstacle to Sociedad's title ambitions.

"I hope Sociedad slip-up as soon as possible," he said. "Valencia have to win to get into next season's Champions League and it is going to be a very interesting game."

But Sociedad have their own fate in their hands and midfielder Javi de Pedro believes that it is Real who are on edge.

He said: "In theory one point isn't much of an advantage because of who Real are, but they must be beginning to worry that we are not slipping up and that might start making them a bit nervous too."

"We know it is going to be tough, but for us the three games that are left are three finals on the road to heaven."

Two defeats in a row, including last week's 3-0 drubbing by Galician neighbours Celta, have effectively put an end to Deportivo Coruna's title aspirations.

Javier Irureta's side, who host Atletico Madrid at the Riazor on Sunday, are six points adrift of Sociedad and need a big change in fortunes if they are to overhaul the leading duo.