Goals : Van Nistelrooy 16’; Sneijder 76’

Real Madrid ensured they will be the leaders of the Spanish championship entering 2008 with a 2-0 win over Osasuna on Sunday that sets them up perfectly for 'El Classico' against Barcelona in seven days.

It was the 60th anniversary of Real's Santiago Bernabeu stadium and Dutch international Ruud van Nistelrooy ensured a double celebration marking his 50th league appearance with a goal with compatriot Wesley Sneijder also on target.

Real are now four points ahead of Barcelona going into the showdown at Camp Nou.

"Osasuna caused us problems but we won 2-0 and it was an important win before the big game against Barcelona at Camp Nou," said Real coach Bernd Schuster.

"We have a four-point advantage going into this game and I think that is important although we have to concentrate on our midweek cup game first."

Last season Real were five points behind leaders Sevilla at this stage and went on to win the title so they have reason to be optimistic about retaining their crown.

Barcelona will be without the injured Lionel Messi, ruled out for five weeks with a thigh injury, but have won all eight league matches at home and looked formidable in their 3-0 demolition of Valencia on Saturday.

They were buoyed by seeing Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o confirming his return to full fitness with two of the goals.

Atletico Madrid saw their much-heralded attack blunted in a 0-0 draw with Recreativo Huelva as they missed the chance to turn the screw on their Champions League rivals.

Atletico stay third but Villarreal are now level on 31 points, seven behind Real, after Turkish international Nihat scored his sixth and seventh goals of the season (15 and 78min) to secure a 3-1 triumph at Getafe.

"I am really happy with my two goals as it is important to take your chances," said Nihat.

"Seven goals is a lot but we have other players who score and the best thing is that we are back at our top level again."

Real Madrid coach Schuster has been rotating his squad this season but the German stuck by the same team that defeated Lazio 3-1 in the midweek Champions League match.

Real scored with their first opening on the quarter hour mark.

Sneijder whipped in a brilliant free-kick and van Nistelrooy was on hand to head home his 33rd league goal in 50 appearances.

Real have never lost in the league when van Nistelrooy has scored and he continues to be their good luck charm.

Brazilian Robinho went close for Real with a fine drive and then showed nimble footwork to help set up Sneijder's goal on 75 minutes.

The champions face Alicante in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday before the Christmas cracker against Barcelona.

Elsewhere Sevilla, third in the last campaign, lost further ground on the European hopefuls with a 0-0 draw at Valladolid where they finished with nine men.

Sevilla's cause was not helped by the sending off of their Argentine centre-back Fazio shortly after the interval. Sevilla's Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano also saw red late on as the game turned ugly.

"We took a step backwards and did not play like we have done in recent matches," said Sevilla midfielder Enzo Maresca. "We did not even play well when it was 11 against 11."

The UEFA Cup winners are now ten points adrift of the fourth Champions League spot and may have to win this season's competition to qualify for Europe's premier club competition.

Real Madrid: Iker Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Pepe, Marcelo (Heinze 79’); Diarra (Gago 74’), Sneijder, Baptista (Guti 59’); Robinho, Raúl, Van Nistelrooy.

Osasuna: Ricardo; Azpilicueta, Miguel Flano, Josetxo, Monreal; Erice, Héctor Font (Portillo 81’); Plasil (Delporte 72’), Margairaz (Hugo Viana 60’), Vela; Dady.