Real Madrid and Real Zaragoza traded goals in the first half but neither side could find the winner in the second half and settled for a 1-1 draw.
Real Zaragoza vs. Real Madrid: Final score 1-1, Zaragoza claims a vital point
Rodri gave Zaragoza an early lead but Cristiano Ronaldo evened things up before halftime as Madrid were forced to settle for a draw.
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno
Real Zaragoza came roaring out of the gate and scored early to but Real Madrid under immediate pressure. Luka Modric was late to a loose ball in the midfield and was beaten to the spot by Apoño who moved the ball forward with one touch 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.
More from our team blogs: Real Madrid blog Managing Madrid
Real Madrid answered back seven minutes from halftime, taking advantage of a mistake by Glenn Loovens. The Dutch defender misplayed a long ball, giving up possession to Gonzalo Higuaín just outside the Zaragoza area. Higuain moved the ball left to Ronaldo who dribbled into the box and beat Roberto Gago just inside the near post. Gago appeared to misread Ronaldo's intentions and shifted just enough to the right to create the space that the Portuguese striker needed.
Zaragoza were denied a fairly clear penalty in the 59th minute when Michael Essien pulled down Hélder Postiga with two hands on his shoulder. The referee didn't agree and Zaragoza were left frustrated by the decision.
Diego Lopez made a match saving save in the 78th. Francisco Montañés backed into the Madrid area along the touchline before spinning and sending a ball across to Postiga after the far post. Postiga’s header looked sure to put Zaragoza ahead of Lopez came flying across to deny the striker and keep the game tied.
The point keeps Zaragoza out of the relegation zone and ahead of Mallorca for the moment.
More in Soccer:
See More:
