Real Madrid CF had to settle for a goalless Primera División draw at Real Zaragoza on Tuesday after playing the final 20 minutes with ten men.

Pavón dismissed
Madrid were pushing hard for the victory they needed to move back to the top of the standings when central defender Francisco Pavón was sent off for a second booking on 72 minutes. Carlos Queiroz's side continued to press but Zaragoza held out, with Argentinian central defender Gabriel Milito in outstanding form against the club which rejected him during the close season.

Depor on top
The result left Madrid in second place with 20 points from nine games, a point behind leaders RC Deportivo La Coruña and one ahead of third-placed Valencia CF. Depor can stretch their advantage over the defending champions if they win at home against RCD Mallorca tonight, while Valencia have a chance to take second position when they play RC Celta de Vigo at home.

Galletti opening
Zaragoza's best opening came as Luciano Galletti was put through on goal ten metres out on the right side of the area, only to hit the far post with his shot. Madrid, once again missing the injured England captain David Beckham, looked disjointed early on but they gradually started to dominate from the 25-minute mark.

Madrid go close
Ronaldo thought he deserved a penalty after being tugged in the area by Alvaro before Raúl González shot over when well placed. Madrid then went close to scoring three in the space of five minutes in the second half - Roberto Carlos hitting a post before Raúl and Zinedine Zidane brought fine saves from Zaragoza goalkeeper César Lainez.