The La Liga title race might not be over after all. For the second consecutive game, Real Madrid have drawn. Barcelona have won in both of the last two weeks, meaning that the gap is down to six points at the top of La Liga. When Real Madrid takes on Real Sociedad this weekend, they'll need a win, and they'll need to do it without Mesut Özil and Sergio Ramos. They were sent off in Los Blancos' 1-1 draw against Villarreal.
Villarreal Vs. Real Madrid, 2012 La Liga: Merengues Drop Points In Ridiculous Game
It's just one point, but every point is massive for a Villarreal team who are trying to avoid the drop. They played well in the first half and kept hope of a 0-0 draw alive until the 62nd minute, when Madrid struck. Cristiano Ronaldo and Özil played a beautiful one-two exchange which ended with Özil hitting a perfect backheel to Ronaldo. He then rounded Diego Lopez before doing the easy part -- applying the finish.
A Madrid win seemed like a certainty at that point but improbably, Marcos Senna struck an equalizer. From 20 yards out in the 83rd minute, he curled a spectacular free kick around the wall that skipped in front of Iker Casillas before hitting the back of the net. It was the first and only shot on target for Villarreal in the second half.
Madrid would have their hopes of a win shattered when, shortly afterwards, Ramos was shown a second yellow card. For their dissent, Özil and Jose Mourinho were sent off as well. Pepe argued with the official after the final whistle and was shown a yellow of his own to go along with all of the other bookings.
For more on the two teams, head over to Managing Madrid and Villarreal USA.
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