Puyol's Real doubts

Barcelona threw away a comfortable lead at the top of the Primera Division and Real - who have been indifferent for much of the season - have exploited the dip to go top on the head-to-head rule after a last-gasp win over Espanyol was complemented with Barca's late capitulation to draw 1-1 at home to Betis.

But Puyol thinks his side still has a good chance of triumph as he doubts Real can maintain their run and win their remaining games.

"There are still four matches left and it will be complicated but at the moment I see it difficult for Real Madrid to win them all consecutively," he declared.

"Every match will be a final and we have to win each one to put the maximum amount of pressure on Real."

Barca seem to be struggling to finish teams off, playing their usual brand of open, passing football but lacking confidence and a cutting edge in the final third. They dominated Betis but blew several clear-cut chances and conceded an 89th minute equalizer to Rafael Sobis.

"We are playing the opening 45 with much attacking threat but the goals aren't coming, which makes the rest of the game very tough," Puyol continued. "On Sunday against Betis we had many opportunities to make it 2-0 and kill the game.

"But I am convinced that Barca will win the four matches and will be champions."