Three times the brilliant company of stars in Real Madrid's own galaxy have failed to shine sufficiently to win the title, appearing instead simply to dazzle and blind each other. This season, staggering into the new year with Beckham having been cast into outer darkness by Fabio Capello after deciding to take the Los Angeles dollar, success seemed further away than ever. But Beckham's determination and a similar new resolve among his teammates have brought about a transformation.

After drawing a thrilling game 3-3 away to Barcelona in February, Madrid won 10 games in succession. In the penultimate fixture last weekend they were 2-1 down at Zaragoza with two minutes to play, while Barcelona were winning their local derby with Espanol, but in the space of 60 seconds, Ruud van Nistelrooy and then Espanol scored for a pair of 22 draws that keep Madrid noses in front going into today's final games. The football gods seem to be on their side, even to the extent of the rule change under which head-to-head results count ahead of goal difference. Thus the draw at the Nou Camp has huge significance, giving Madrid the advantage even though Barca, whom they beat at home, have a better goal difference. The old enemies are two points ahead of unfashionable Sevilla, who missed their big chance last weekend by drawing 2-2 as well.

Although nothing can be taken for granted in an astonishing season, all three contenders should win today, which Gerry Armstrong . . . the former Northern Ireland international who will be commentating on Madrid's home game with Real Mallorca this evening . . . believes will provide a fair outcome.

"Real deserve it, " he said. "I wouldn't want Barcelona to win it again because they haven't played well this year.

Ronaldinho has only performed in the home games and has been very indifferent away. Deco went through a bad spell, Messi is still developing and Eto'o was out injured for three months. And they've had a lot of problems at the back."

As an old pro, however, Armstrong admires the way Beckham has got his head down in a manner rarely seen from the so-called galacticos.

"He's worked so hard and I'd love to see him leave with something because he was treated shabbily. Capello didn't choose him for a while but has now had to do a complete u-turn which you don't see too often from such an experienced manager. He got rid of Ronaldo, Beckham came back revitalised, Van Nistelrooy was scoring consistently and the team started to gell. Then all the other contenders like Barca, Sevilla and Valencia started slipping up and Real kept winning.

They've had 11 away wins which is the best in their history."

Mallorca, however, will present a stiff task as they have lost only three of their last 11 games and they also have a decent record in the capital.

Beckham will require a final check on his injured ankle before taking on opponents who, with nothing to play, for have been offered bonus payments by Barcelona and Sevilla to up their game. All the money in the world may be too little to deny destiny's child.

LA LIGA REAL MADRID v MALLORCA
Santiago Bernabeu, 8.00 Live, Sky Sports 3, 7.30

GIMNASTIC v BARCELONA
Nou Estadi Municipal, 8.00 Live, Sky Sports 3 Interactive, 7.30

SEVILLA v VILLARREAL
Estadio Ramon Pizjuan, 8.00 Live, Sky Sports 3 Interactive, 7.30