Two-goal Ronaldo keeps Real dream alive

Brazilian superstar Ronaldo, shown here on April 17, kept Real Madrid's Spanish title dream alive with two late goals to secure a 2-0 win at Real Sociedad.

Brazilian superstar Ronaldo kept Real Madrid's Spanish title dream alive with two late goals to secure a 2-0 win at Real Sociedad.

Ronaldo scored his 17th league goal of the season eight minutes from time and added another in injury time for his 18th to clinch the three points which closed the gap on leaders Barcelona to just three points.

His double also took his Spanish league record to 99 goals.

However, Barca can restore their advantage to six points when they face relegation-haunted Albacete on Sunday.

Ronaldo grabbed the vital first goal in a lacklustre game when he was put through with an accurate pass from Guti which split the Sociedad defence and beat the offside trap.

The Brazilian still had work to do but he coolly took the ball around the Sociedad keeper to score what could be a crucial goal for his side who went into the game weakened by the absence of Zinedine Zidane, Walter Samuel and Michel Salgado who were all suspended.

Guti also provided the pass for Ronaldo's second goal which he scored with a backheel.

Real Sociedad's Ivan Zubiaurre (L) fights for the ball with Real Madrid's Brazilian Roberto Carlos (R) during a Spanish league football match at the Anoeta stadium, in San Sebastian. Real Madrid won 2-0.

Barcelona have to beat Albacete on Sunday.

Anything less than a win for the Catalans will be the biggest shock of the season as struggling Albacete, languishing second from bottom, have only won two away games this season.

Both sides will be missing men due to suspensions.

Barca will be without their inflential Spanish international playmaker Xavi Hernandez while Albacete have defender Miguel Buades and midfielder Pablo Redondo serving one-match bans.

Barcelona were also hit on Saturday by the news that Argentinia striker Maxi Lopez will miss the rest of the season with a foot injury which will sideline him for three months.