MADRID: Deportivo Coruna striker Roy Makaay scored his 29th goal of the season to help his side come from behind to finish their season with a 2-1 home win over Espanyol on Saturday.

The Dutch international, who is the leading scorer in the Spanish first division, bundled in with his chest after a failed clearance from a defender midway through the second half to cancel out an early strike from Espanyol midfielder Roger.

The goal also drew the Dutchman level with the club's record total of goals in a season, first set by Brazilian striker Bebeto in 1992-93.

One minute after grabbing his goal, Makaay then laid on the winner for strike partner Albert Luque who fired home at the far post.

The game also marked what is likely to be veteran defender Donato's final appearance for the Galician club.

The 40-year-old centre back, whose contract with the club finishes at the end of the season, was treated to a standing ovation when he was replaced shortly before half-time.

In another of Saturday's matches, last season's champions Valencia wrapped up a disappointing campaign with a consolation 3-0 win at Sevilla.

Rafael Benitez's side, who have missed out on a berth in the Champions League and were already assured of fifth spot in the Spanish league and a place in next season's UEFA Cup, were in complete control as they cruised to a comfortable win.

At the other end of the table, Rayo Vallecano and Recreativo Huelva bade farewell to the first division with a drab 0-0 draw in front of just 4,000 fans at the Teresa Rivero stadium.

The result ensured that Rayo finish bottom in the first division and brought a disappointing end to their four-season spell in the top flight.

Recreativo, though, have the chance to bring their season to a happier conclusion when they face Real Mallorca in the final of the King's Cup next week.

Real Madrid will clinch their 29th league title if they beat Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabeu on Sunday.

Vicente del Bosque's side go into the final game of the season with a two-point advantage at the top of the table, but a defeat or draw would allow rivals Real Sociedad to snatch the title as long as they win their game at home to Atletico Madrid.

Agencies via Xinhua

(China Daily 06/23/2003 page8)