Barca had the chance to claim their first piece of major silverware since 2006 last night and were 12 minutes away from doing so after building a 3-1 lead against the Yellow Submarine at the Nou Camp.

However, late strikes from Mati Fernandez and Joseba Llorente saw Villarreal salvage an unlikely draw and force Barca to put their title celebrations on hold.

Despite that disappointment, Barca now boast an eight-point lead over Real Madrid with just three games remaining and Eto'o is adamant that the champagne will not be on ice for much longer.

"Winning the league is only a question of time. We could be champions before we even play again," said the Cameroon international.

Madrid have to beat Villarreal at El Madrigal next Saturday, otherwise they will concede the title to Barca, who are at Real Mallorca the following day.

Barca must put their Primera Division title dreams to one side for now though, as on Wednesday they face Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Copa del Rey.

That match at Valencia's Mestalla stadium pits the two most successful teams in Copa del Rey history against each other.

Barca are searching for their 25th cup crown but first since 1998, while 23-times winners Athletic are hoping to lift aloft the trophy they last won in 1984.

Defender Gerard Pique said on his club's website: "It's clear that if we win on Wednesday it will be our first title (of the season), and for that there is a lot of motivation and a lot of desire."

"The next game is very important," added Barca midfielder Seydou Keita, whose 11th-minute opener against Villarreal looked set to herald a successful night for his side.

"All the team and fans wanted to win this game. It was very important. We wanted to win at home and be able to celebrate the league title at the Nou Camp."

Missing the chance to clinch their 19th league crown was not the only blow Barca suffered during last night's match.

They also lost midfielder Andres Iniesta to a thigh injury and defender Eric Abidal to a red card, ruling both players out of the Copa del Rey final.

Iniesta is due to find out later today just how serious his problem is but there are fears that he might not play again this season, which would mean he will also miss the Champions League final against Manchester United.

"Abidal and Iniesta are key players so the next game will be difficult, because we cannot count on either of them. Aside form that, we are already without (Rafael) Marquez and (Thierry) Henry," added Keita.