Spain round-up: Madrid slip up in title race

Real Madrid CF's hopes of claiming the Primera División title suffered a significant setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw by RC Celta de Vigo at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday night.

Title blow
The result left Vicente Del Bosque's side level with leaders Real Sociedad on 72 points, but having played a game more. Real are at home to champions Valencia CF on Sunday night, when a win would open up a three-point gap at the top of the table with just two games left to play.

Early chances
Madrid began brightly in difficult conditions, and Raúl González had the ball in the net in the sixth minute, as he converted Zinedine Zidane's pass, but he was adjudged offside. Fernando Hierro then saw a deflected free-kick tipped over the crossbar by Pablo Cavallero.

Raúl goes close
However, despite their early opportunities Madrid struggled to find their fluency in the opening 45 minutes, although they went close again as Roberto Carlos's powerful right-foot a minute before the half-hour shot was cleverly diverted on to a post by Raúl with Cavallero stranded.

Unexpected goal
In the 35th minute, against the run of play, Celta took the lead, as Alejandro Castro's cross was met by Aleksandr Mostovoi, and the Russian international midfield player steered his header beyong Iker Casillas and into the far corner of the net.

Golden opportunity
However, the home side might have drawn level almost immediately, as Luis Figo's cross picked out Raúl inside the Celta penalty area but, with time and space, the Madrid striker could only head wide. Roberto Carlos then sent a low shot past the post as Madrid tried to break down a resilient Celta defence.

Headed equaliser
The game followed a similar pattern in the second period, with Madrid largely in control but unable to find a way through. On the hour, Figo's free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar, and eight minutes later, Madrid were level as Raúl reached Michel Salgado's right-wing cross ahead of his marked and headed into the net.

Madrid on top
Madrid pressed the visitors back for the remainder of the game but were unable to create any clear chances until stoppage time, when Raúl missed another great chance to give his side all three points, heading wide when again unmarked in the penalty area. There was still time for Iván Helguera to send a header over the crossbar, but Celta held on to secure a point that boosted their own hopes of a place in next season's UEFA Champions League.

Sunday fixtures
Third-placed RC Deportivo La Coruña are at home to Club Atlético de Madrid on Sunday, while the challengers for a place in next season’s UEFA Cup are all in action. Athletic Club Bilbao visit Villarreal CF, Sevilla FC are at home to RC Recreativo de Huelva, FC Barcelona play Málaga CF and RCD Mallorca face Rayo Vallecano.