|
Real end miserable year with 2-1 home defeat
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-12-22 09:14
ZARAGOZA FIGHTBACK
David Beckham
reacts after a missed opportunity against Racing Santander during their
Spanish First Division soccer match at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in
Madrid, December, 21, 2005. [Reuters] | Real Zaragoza staged the fightback of the day when they came from two goals
down at halftime to claim a 3-2 win at home to Athletic Bilbao. It is the first
time they have beaten the Basques at La Romareda in seven years.
Racing, who were without six first-choice players and had won just three of
their previous 16 games this season, silenced the Bernabeu crowd when defender
Ayoze Diaz scored with a curling free kick midway through the first half.
Real were still reeling when midfielder Felipe Melo doubled Racing's lead six
minutes later, slicing through the home defence and stabbing the ball past
keeper Iker Casillas.
Real coach Lopez Caro rang the changes at halftime, sending on reserve team
players Javier Balboa and Roberto Soldado for defender Ivan Helguera and
Brazilian forward Robinho.
They were thrown a lifeline midway through the second half when Ronaldo
cashed in on a defensive error by Racing's centre backs to nod home unopposed at
the far post after they had accidentally headed on a Roberto Carlos throw-in.
But although Real pushed hard in the closing stages they were unable to
salvage a point and the Bernabeu exploded with anger at the final whistle.
|
