Real Madrid missed out on the opportunity to go top of the Primera Liga table drawing 1-1 away at Real Betis.
The Galacticos were out of sorts as Betis dominated the first half and were more than worthy of their 1-0 lead at the break. Joaquin scored the goal, thumping home a close range volley after Iker Casillas failed to hold onto Fernando’s initial shot.
The home side continued to control the game but failed to make their pressure count and they were forced to pay for their profligacy by Ronaldo.
The Brazilian ran onto a Zinedine Zidane through ball, rounded oncoming Betis keeper Pedro Contreras and slotted home from a tight angle to earn his side an undeserved point.
Deportivo La Coruna kept up with Valencia and Madrid humbling lowly Real Zaragoza 4-1 at home.
Juan Carlos Valeron, Diego Tristan and Sergio scored the goals after David Miranda had given the visitors a surprise lead.
Atletico Madrid keep their place just behind Deportivo with a 2-1 win over Sevilla at the Vicente Calderon. Fernando Torres and Demis Nikolaidis put Atletico firmly in control with goals either side of the interval before Joe Reyes pulled one back with a spot kick 15 minutes before the end.
Racing Santander grabbed a precious point at Mallorca, Mario Regueiro wiping out Gonzalo Colsa strike with just 16 minutes left on the clock.
Osasuna were disappointed with a 1-1 draw with strugglers Albacete at El Sadar. John Aloisi equalised for Osasuna following Laurent Viaud’s fifth minute strike. V
illarreal left it late to see off Malaga 2-0 at El Madrigal with goals from Rodolfo Arruabarrena and Sonny Anderson.
Real Sociedad kept up their recent good form with a 3-1 win over Espanyol at Anoeta.
A Valery Karpin penalty gave them the lead and then Igor Gabilondo and Nihat Kahveci put the game beyond doubt before Jordi Cruyff grabbed a late consolation goal.
