Van Gaal walking tightrope

Louis Van Gaal's position as Barcelona coach looks increasingly doubtful after his struggling side suffered a 2-0 defeat at Celta…

Louis Van Gaal's position as Barcelona coach looks increasingly doubtful after his struggling side suffered a 2-0 defeat at Celta Vigo last night.

Goals from Jesuli and Silvinho left the Catalan side just three points above the drop zone and the Dutch coach could find himself without a job this week.

In-form Real Madrid's championship hopes suffered a slight dent as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Athletic Bilbao in an exciting encounter at the San Mames stadium.

Brazilian ace Ronaldo opened the scoring for Real in the 55th minute but Asier del Horno gave Bilbao a deserved point 20 minutes from time.

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Deportivo La Coruna's title ambitions took a knock as they were beaten 3-1 by a spirited Espanyol side.

Roy Makaay fired Deportivo ahead after just five minutes but the struggling hosts got back on level terms when Toni Soldevilla headed home four minutes later.

Roger Garcia put Espanyol ahead when he hit the target from a tight angle in the 21st minute and Angel Morales sent the home fans into a frenzy when he volleyed home five minutes later.