Makeshift Barcelona beaten by Deportivo

MADRID, Spain -- A makeshift Barcelona side fell to a 2-0 defeat at Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday -- meaning Real Madrid now have a chance to win the Primera Liga title on Sunday if results go their way.

With one eye on Tuesday's Champions League semifinal against Manchester United, coach Frank Rijkaard rested several key players -- such as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi -- and the second string were second best against a motivated Depor team.

Barca stay 11 points behind Real in third and the reigning champions can wrap up a 31st championship on Sunday if they beat Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal fail to win at Real Betis on the same day.

Taking second spot from Villarreal, a point ahead with a game in hand, is one challenge for Barca but top priority is the Champions League.

Barca drew 0-0 in the first leg at Camp Nou and go to Old Trafford looking for a vital away goal to help them reach the Moscow final.

Messi, Samuel Eto'o, Xavi, Iniesta, Gaby Milito, Deco and Victor Valdes were all notable absentees in the Barca line-up with Rijkaard clearly keeping them fresh for Manchester United.

The second string team saw Spaniard Jose Pinto start in goal but there was still some quality on show with three World Cup winners in Thierry Henry, Gianluca Zambrotta and Lilian Thuram.

Eidur Gudjohnsen, a fringe player hoping to impress, should have scored on 12 minutes but lifted an effort over the crossbar.

Barca dominated possession but Depor went close to breaking the deadlock on the half hour mark when Xisco hit the crossbar.

Bojan Krkic then spurned a great chance for Barca, delaying his shot too long.

The misses proved costly as Juan Rodriguez side-footed home at the beginning of the second half after some woeful Barca marking.

Pablo Amo added a second late on as Depor, who have been fighting relegation for most of the season, moved a point away from the final UEFA Cup spot. E-mail to a friend