MADRID (AFP) - Barcelona had to settle for second best on Sunday in the first Spanish title race to finish level on points since 1994, despite handing a 5-1 thrashing to bottom club Gimnastic Tarragona.

The Spanish champions for the last two years handed over their title to Real Madrid on the basis of their bitter rivals, who beat Real Mallorca 3-1, having a better head-to-head record after both teams finished level on 76 points.

It was a anti-climactic end to a season that had started with so much promise for Barcelona, who had also won the Champions League in 2006.

"This should serve as a lesson for the coming year. After winning La Liga and the Champions League in 2006, I think we were over-confident and that has been our principal problem," admitted Barca playmaker Xavi Hernandez.

"We threw away the league. I think this group of players still has plenty to offer but that now doesn't depend on the players."

Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes said: "It's a tragedy that Mallorca couldn't hang on for a draw."

"Real Madrid had everything in their favour so it was normal they came out on top. What a way to go if this was to be my last game with Barca," said Brazilian defender Thiago Motta, who could move in the summer.

It could also be the last game at Barca for coach Frank Rijkaard, despite his successes in the last two seasons.

Rijkaard has lost the confidence of many Barca fans despite his achievements, although losing key players Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi for several months in the middle of the season through injury didn't help.

"The people who are responsible for this situation are the players. Throughout all the season we have been very erratic," said Rijkaard's main ally in the dressing room, club captain Carles Puyol.

"I have to congratulate Real Madrid though, they had a lot of confidence, a lot of faith and in the end they got their prize.

"I have always said that the league goes to those that deserve it," added Puyol.

"But we can return to the heights (of previous years) if we learn from our errors."