One more point for the champion.
Zaragoza 2-2 Real Madrid
May 11, 2008 -Zaragoza demonstrated why they deserve to remain in the Primera Division on Sunday and that they will do whatever it takes to save face. Real Madrid, meanwhile, managed to escape with one point in their pocket and now have a total of 82 on the year. With a victory next weekend against Levante, the Whites will set a new record for the most points every tallied in one season.
In a great show of sportsmanship, Zaragoza welcomed Real Madrid onto the pitch in similar fashion as last Wednesday against Barcelona, but Villanova's men meant business as soon as the ball was kicked off. Oliveira had an early try on goal, but teammate Sergio García came closer to scoring shortly after with a crossed shot which slipped wide right of Dudek's goal (min.10). The hosts were relentless in their efforts to strike first, and their first glimmer of remaining in Spain's top flight came off the boot of Oliveira, who received Sergio García's pass in the six and slipped it into the back of the net (min. 20).
A new-look Madridista squad grew confident as the minutes ticked off the clock. Robinho, who found his way back into the starting eleven in what was his100th league match, found his way around Zapater while Guti took control in the midfield. With just under 20 minutes remaining in the half, the Brazilian had a good look on goal but César prevented the ball from finding the back of the net. The deflection, however, landed in front of Ruud van Nistelrooy who capitalized on the opportunity. The Dutchman returned to action against Barcelona and scored, and on Sunday hammered home his 14th of the season after being given the start. In desperate need of reclaiming the lead, Zaragoza took charge of the match and nearly accomplished their objective, but Ramos cleared Oliveira's shot between the posts (min. 39).
The half drew to a close, but Zaragoza came out firing in the second half. Aimar had two early chances, the first of which Dudek got a hand on and the second which found the woodwork. The entire Zaragoza outfit got in on the action: Matuzalem from the top of the box (min. 57); Sergio Fernández's header which was grabbed by Dudek; Sergio García every which way possible; and Diego Milito, who just couldn't strike gold. Optimism slowly faded from the stands of La Romareda.
A defensive error by the hosts in the 76th minute costs them dearly as Robinho lobbed the ball over César to put the Whites up 1-2. But Zaragoza never threw in the towel and managed an equaliser by Sergio Fernandéz (min. 87). Zaragoza proved they're a team that belongs in the Primera Division, but Real Madrid showed why they are the worthy champions.
MATCH REPORT:
2 - ZARAGOZA: César; Zapater, Sergio Fernández, Ayala, Paredes; Sergio García, Celades, Matuzalem (Oscar, min.78), Aimar (Gabi, min.58); Diego Milito and Oliveira.
2 - REAL MADRID: Dudek; Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Metzelder, Marcelo (Torres, min.80); Sneijder, Diarra, Guti, Robinho; Higuaín (Saviola, min.85) and Van Nistelrooy (Baptista, min.73).
REFEREE: Mr. Pérez Lasa. Booked Marcelo, Robinho, Sneijder, Metzelder, Celades, and Sergio Fernandéz.
GOALS:
1-0 (min. 19): Oliveira
1-1 (min. 26): Ruud Van Nistelrooy
1-2 (min. 78): Robinho
2-2 (min. 87): Sergio Fernández
NOTES: Matchday 37 of La Liga played at La Romareda. Attendance: 33,000.
By Cristina Monge
Translation by Matthew Goltz
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