BARCELONA’S hopes of wresting the league title from Real Madrid suffered another blow Saturday when the side twice surrendered the lead to draw 2-2 at relegation-threatened Recreativo Huelva.

Samuel Eto’o put Barca in front at the start of each half but Recreativo’s Argentine striker Marco Ruben hit back twice with headed equalizers — the first a controversial effort that did not appear to cross the line.

The draw left Barca six points behind leader Real Madrid with six games to play but the champion could extend that to nine if the side beats struggling Real Murcia at the Bernabeu.

The Catalans have won just one of their last seven league games and are only a point ahead of Villarreal, who can reclaim second place if they beat or draw with mid-table Almeria on Sunday.

Barca was missing injured Ronaldinho, Bojan Krkic, Thierry Henry, Andres Iniesta and Deco.

(SD-Agencies)