Real Madrid beat Barcelona 4-1

The contrasting fortunes of two of football's heavyweights was brought into focus on Wednesday night when newly-crowned Spanish champions Real Madrid played hosts to struggling arch rivals Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

Madrid, who wrapped up the title race on Sunday by beating Osasuna, signalled their intent in the 13th minute when captain Raul showed his natural predatory instincts to latch onto a loose ball and curl a shot in off the inside of Victor Valdes' right-hand post.

Barça, who went into the match four points adrift of Villarreal in the battle for second place and an automatic place in next season's Champions League, found themselves 2-0 down eight minutes later when Arjen Robben, who just days earlier had headed home a crucial late equaliser which helped Madrid clinch the title, repeated the feat by getting his head to Guti's free-kick.

The Catalan giants, already guaranteed to finish empty-handed for the second successive campaign, were firmly on the back-foot and only a goal line clearance by Xavi prevented Mahamadou Diarra scoring on the hour mark.

Madrid, who have won back-to-back titles for the first time in almost two decades, continued to dominate as Diarra then turned creator to set up Madrid's third goal from Gonzalo Higuain, Madrid's match and title-winner from Sunday who had only just replaced Robben.

Barcelona, who travelled to the capital looking to salvage some pride from what has been an otherwise pretty forgettable season, had Valdes to thank once again, this time saving from Marcelo in the 67th minute.

Barça coach Frank Rijkaard, whose position appears in jeopardy, looked on forlorn.

Barça tried a damage limitation policy, but it didn't work when Robinho's cross-shot struck the raised hands of captain Carles Puyol in the penalty area.

The referee awarded a spot kick and Ruud van Nistelrooy made no mistake with only his second touch since replacing Raul moments previously.

That goal sent the Bernabeu into delirium, but one of the biggest cheers of the night was reserved for goalkeeper Iker Casillas soon after, as he brilliantly tipped Lionel Messi's curling shot behind.

Messi had two further efforts for Barça in the closing stages, before he sent Thierry Henry through on goal and the Frenchman slotted home a precision finish to complete the scoring.

A bad night for Barça was to get worse as midfielder Xavi was sent-off in stoppage time, capping a miserable evening all round for the visitors.