Real earns emotional win
Monday, November 20, 2006

Real Madrid went level on points with leaders Barcelona in the Primera Liga after an efficient 3-1 win over Racing Santander at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

Sergio Ramos headed Real in front from a corner after five minutes before second-half goals by Jose Antonio Reyes and Mali midfielder Mahamadou Diarra wrapped up the points.

Racing's Argentine defender Ezequiel Garay pulled a goal back for the visitors with a thundering free kick 14 minutes from time, and Real's night was spoilt when playmaker Guti was sent off at the end.

Real, with 23 points, are second on goal difference from Barcelona, who visit Real Mallorca on Sunday.

Later on Saturday third-placed Sevilla, with 22 points, can go top if they can beat sixth-placed Valencia at home.

After a minute's silence for former Real Madrid great Ferenc Puskas, who passed away on Friday, Real had the perfect start against Racing with Ramos's powerful header.

But the home side laboured to build on their lead and were unsettled more than once by the looming presence of giant Racing striker Nikola Zigic.

The Serbian had a header cleared off the line by Roberto Carlos and Iker Casillas had to scramble to push a Garay free kick round his post before the break.

The visitors, unbeaten in seven matches, were still in the game in the 58th minute when a swift Real counter-attack saw Emerson feed Reyes on the left and he scored with a low shot at the near post.

Another slick passing move led to Diarra bundling Raul's cross in at the second attempt after 71 minutes. Five minutes later Racing gained some reward for their endeavour with Garay's free kick.

Guti earned a straight red card two minutes from time after leading with the elbow into a challenge with Vitolo, and will miss next week's clash at Valencia.

Discuss in: Forum | Message board