A largely second string Barcelona team put on an uninspiring display away to a resurgent Deportivo la Coruña and came away as 2-0 losers, a result which will officially put an end to any title ambitions the club may have had should defending champions Real Madrid beat Athletic Club tomorrow at the Bernabéu.

Frank Rijkaard left out Victor Valdés, Gabby Milito, Éric Abidal, Xavi, Deco, Iniesta, Messi and Samuel Eto'o from either the starting line up or the entire squad and gave a debut appearance to goalie José Pinto as well as starts to Lilian Thuram, Sylvinho, Gudjohnsen and Giovani - all players unlikely to play a major part in Barça's important UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg away to Manchester United on Tuesday night.

Depor went ahead in the second half through a Juan Rodriguéz goal on 54 minutes after some slack defending from the Barcelona defence saw the Deportivo forward dispatch his effort from almost point-blank range.

The second goal for the Galician side came on 76 minutes after Pablo Amo took full advantage of some pathetic marking in the Barcelona box following a Deportivo freekick.

The result continues Barcelona's terrible run of form in the league. The Blaugrana have picked up just 10 points from the last 10 league games and haven't won a league match for over a month.