Real Madrid settles for just a point as they draw Real Zaragoza 1-1

Real Madrid and Real Zaragoza traded goals in the first half but neither side could find the winner and both had to settle for a point a piece and a 1-1 draw.

Real Zaragoza came out strong from the start of the match and was rewarded with an early goal that put Real Madrid under immediate pressure.  Madrid’s Luka Modric was beaten to a loose ball in the midfield by Apono who moved the ball forward with one touch pass to Rodri. The midfielder moved into the Madrid area and beat Diego Lopez over his right shoulder to give Zaragoza the early 1-0 advantage.

Real Madrid was able to level the score seven minutes from halftime, taking advantage of a mistake by Zaragoza’s Glenn Loovens. The Dutch defender misplayed a long ball, giving possession to Gonzalo Higuain just outside the Zaragoza area. Higuain moved the ball to Ronaldo who was able to dribble into the box and beat goalkeeper Roberto Gago just inside the near post. Gago appeared to misjudge Ronaldo's intent and moved just enough from the post to create the space that the Portuguese striker needed.

A potential game changing moment in the 59^th minute was denied as Zaragoza were not given a clear penalty by the referee as Michael Essien pulled down Helder Postiga with two hands on his shoulder. Diego Lopez made a match saving save in the 78^th as Francisco Montanes backed into the Madrid area and sending a ball across to Postiga at the far post. Postiga's header looked sure to put Zaragoza ahead of Lopez came flying across to deny the striker.  With the late game heroics of Lopez Real Madrid and Real Zaragoza were only able to net a goal apiece to settle for the 1-1 draw.

Real Madrid comes from behind Twice to beat Mallorca

Real Madrid trailed twice before fighting back with three goals in a seven-minute span to beat Mallorca 5-2.  Mallorca led 2-1 at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium after goals from Emilio Nsue and Alejandro Alfaro with Gonzalo Higuain scoring for Madrid.

 

Cristiano Ronaldo rallied Madrid back into the game with an equalizing goal in the 51^st.  Luka Modric put Madrid ahead three minutes later with a terrific shot from long range, similar to his Champions League goal against Manchester United, with Higuain completing the surge by scoring his second of the night in the 57^th.

Madrid has seen its title defense damaged due to poor games to modest Spanish teams this season, thus the reason why they trail leader Barcelona by 10 points.  This pattern seemed as if it would continue until Madrid reacted to a poor first half and quickly imposed itself on the relegation-threatened visitors.

 

Ronaldo’s frustration grew as the match progressed and at one point the Portugal forward slammed his fist into the turf and threw his arms up in disgust several times as Madrid were failing to discovery their game. For the start of the second half coach Jose Mourinho sent on Mesut Ozil and Benzema hoping for them to make an immediate impact, and that they did.   Ronaldo put Madrid level again when he met Ozil's corner at the near post.  Ozil then picked out Higuain for Madrid's fourth of the night.  Madrid showed great tenacity in fighting off their struggles to overcome going behind twice in the match to beat Mallorca 5-2 on the night.