Valencia move clear
Tuesday, December 2, 2003
Article summary
Valencia CF took a one-point lead in the Spanish title race after drawing 0-0 at Real Sociedad de Fútbol.
Article body
Chance for Valencia
Real began the game in 17th place - 13 points behind the visitors, who were looking to break away from Real Madrid CF in the title race, ahead of the champions' derby match against Club Atlético de Madrid on Wednesday.
Vicente volley
But it was the home side who seemed to have made the perfect start on three minutes when Valeri Karpin steered the ball into the net, only for his effort to be ruled offside. Valencia improved, however, and Vicente Rodríguez volleyed over at the other end 20 minutes later, before Pablo Aimar shot narrowly wide just before half-time.
Nihat denied
Real goalkeeper Sander Westerveld saved well from Carlos Marchena after the restart, while his opposite number Santiago Cañizares make good blocks from Darko Kovacevic and Nihat Kahveci. Yet it was Valencia who could have stolen the points when Francisco Rufete and Rubén Baraja went close late. The result moved Real up to 14th place.
