David Beckham inspiring Real to a 3-1 win over Deportivo La Coruna at the Bernabeu to take the capital club onto 72 points from 36 games and Barca promptly drew level with a nervy 1-0 win at the Nou Camp over Getafe.

That win at least avenged the Catalan club's humiliating Spanish Cup exit to Bernd Schuster's side from the Madrid suburbs, but it came at a cost as Ronaldinho, who scored the only goal in the second minute, was sent off five minutes before half-time for aiming a kick at an opponent.

In the day's other game, Valencia's title hopes ended when they lost 3-2 at home to Villarreal.

Beckham celebrated his recall to the England squad after a year in post World Cup purgatory with a fine showing in what was liable to be his penultimate match at the Bernabeu before he heads to MLS side LA Galaxy in the summer.

Beckham had a big hand in the opening goal by Sergio Ramos on 28 minutes but so did former Manchester United teammate Ruud Van Nistelrooy as he fisted Beckham's cross on, unseen by the referee, to lay the foundation for a sixth straight league win. Beckham, who picked up a first-half booking, is desperate to finish with a flourish by finally claiming a trophy in Spain after three barren seasons.

And if they can win their final two games he will achieve his goal even if Barca finish level on points owing to Real's superior head-to-head record over their two matches this season with the Catalan club.

Deportivo made Real sweat after Joan Capdevila levelled nine minutes after the restart after Julian De Guzman crossed low from the left.

But Beckham ensured the hosts regained the lead, a trademark cross finding the head of Raul, who made no mistake for only his seventh goal of the campaign before Van Nistelrooy finished things off with league goal number 23.

Ronaldinho then netted his 20th league goal of the season after Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o set up a close-range finish.

But home fans were waving white handkerchiefs in disgust after Ronaldinho sent off for first time this season.

The Brazilian wizard tangled with David Belenguer, going to ground before aiming a kick at his opponent.

Although he barely appeared to make contact, referee Perez Burrull showed him the red card.

As coach Frank Rijkaard shepherded his furiously gesticulating superstar down the tunnel Eto'o was booked in the ensuing melee.

Barca then endured a few nervy moments to hold on for the points.

Former Old Trafford misfit Diego Forlan meanwhile scored twice and ex-Newcastle man Jon Dahl Tomasson bagged the other as Villarreal won in Valencia as the "yellow submarine" torpedoed their rivals' five-match winning stretch in taking their own streak to six.

David Villa and Emiliano Moretti were on target for Valencia, who stay fourth two points behind third-placed UEFA Cup champions Seville, who play Real Zaragoza on Sunday with five points to make up on the leading pair.