体坛英语新闻：Barcelona draws Levante to claim league title

MADRID, May 11 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona drew 1-1 away to Levante on Wednesday to assure the BBVA Primera Liga title on a dramatic night in Spanish football.

Seydou Keita put Barca ahead and although Felipe Caicedo equalized before halftime, both sides realized in the second half that a draw served both their needs and the travelling Barcelona fans in the Ciudad de Valencia Stadium were celebrating long before the referee blew the final whistle.

Barcelona's joy was not shared in the city of Alicante where Hercules were relegated to the second division after surrendering a 2-0 lead at home to Mallorca. Sendoa Aguirre scored twice for Hercules, but goals from Victor Casadesus and Pierre Webo, saved a point for Mallorca.

Barcelona's players celebrate after winning the Spanish first division league at the Ciudad de Valencia Stadium in Valencia, May, 11 2011.

The draw virtually assures Mallorca's Primera Liga future, but Hercules have no way of saving themselves from a rapid return to the second division.

Espanyol virtually said goodbye to their European hopes with a 2-2 draw at home to Valencia. Roberto Soldado opened the scoring for Valencia only for Pablo Osvaldo to equalize.

Juan Mata put Valencia ahead again put Ernesto Galan equalized against for Espanyol in what was a thrilling game. Valencia need one point to assure they finish in third place and qualify directly for the Champions League.

There was drama in San Sebastian as Real Sociedad scored a vital win at home to Zaragoza in a battle to avoid becoming the third side to descend to the second division.

Raul Tamudo put Real Sociedad ahead after 24 minutes as he took advantage of an error of judgement from Zaragoza goalkeeper Toni Doblas to score in an empty net.

Gabi Fernandez equalized 10 minutes into the second half with a perfectly taken free kick, but Mikel Aranburu scored the goal that should assure his side' s survival with a deflected shot three minutes from time.

Finally Almeria and Villarreal produced a dull 0-0 draw in a game that had nothing at stake with Almeria relegated and Villarreal assured of a top four finish.