Real Madrid eyes 32nd Spanish title at Athletic

Real Madrid can clinch the Spanish league title with a victory at Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday regardless of three-time defending champion Barcelona's result against Malaga.

Madrid is seven points clear of its top rival with three games to play, so even a Barcelona loss earlier in the day will award the Spanish leader its record 32nd domestic crown.

Barcelona's last three games will serve as preparation for next month's Copa del Rey final against Athletic, which will be coach Pep Guardiola's last game in charge before handing over the reins to assistant Tito Vilanova.

On Tuesday, Villarreal travels to Sporting Gijon knowing victory secures its place in the first division and condemns Sporting - and likely Zaragoza - to relegation.