Toledo pegs back Madrid

Real Madrid CF dropped points at home in the Primera División for only the second time this season as Real Zaragoza earned a 1-1 draw in the Santiago Bernabéu amid a sombre atmosphere in the Spanish capital.

Valencia choice
The draw gives second-placed Valencia CF the chance to cut Madrid's lead at the top to four points with victory at RC Celta de Vigo on Sunday.

Key absentees
The match in Madrid was preceded by a minute's silence for the victims of Thursday's bombings in the city. Once the game kicked off, Madrid – without several first-choice players, including both regular strikers Ronaldo and Raúl González – initially struggle to impose themselves, although Robero Carlos' powerful free-kick midway through the first half forced a fine save from Zaragoza goalkeeper César Lainez.

Portillo pounces
The near miss galvanised the home side, who took the lead shortly before the half-hour as striker Javier Portillo headed in from close range at the far post after a fine cross from midfield player Juanfran.

Headed equaliser
But Zaragoza, who play Real in next week's Copa del Rey final, hit back four minutes later when defender Delio Toledo nodded in an angled header after a corner. Although Luís Figo and Guti were introduced at half-time, it was the visitors who came closest to collecting all three points, with Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas having to be alert to save at the feet of Luciano Galletti and striker Goran Drulic hitting the post after a slick passing move 12 minutes from time.

Real success
In tonight's late game, Real Sociedad de Fútbol secured a first league win in six games with a 2-1 victory against Club Atlético de Madrid. Valery Karpin put Real in front with a 35th-minute penalty, and an own goal from Diego Simeone doubled the home side's lead four minutes before the interval.

Deficit halved
Veljko Paunovic gave Atlético hope, pulling a goal back with 19 minute remaining, but the visitors were unable to find an equaliser even after the home side ended the match with ten men following the dismissal of  Bittor Alkiza in the second minute of added time.

Sunday action
Elsewhere on Sunday, third-placed RC Deportivo La Coruña visit RCD Mallorca and FC Barcelona  travel to Real Murcia CF. Athletic Club Bilbao play at Málaga CF and CA Osasuna are also away, at Real Betis Balompié.