Real held at Almeria as Sevilla lose again
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
MADRID, Nov 3 (Reuters): Champions Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw at Almeria Sunday, missing their chance to draw level on points with leaders Barcelona, while Sevilla threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at Real Valladolid.
Real looked to be closing in on a third successive Primera Liga win after Raul met Gonzalo Higuain's cross with a diving header shortly before halftime that flew into the net past Almeria keeper Diego Alves.
But with just under 10 minutes left, Pablo Piatti beat Gabriel Heinze to Albert Crusat's cross and volleyed superbly past Iker Casillas from close range.
The result completed a frustrating week for Real after they lost 3-2 to Segunda B (third tier) side Real Union in the first leg of their last-32 King's Cup tie Thursday.
Real looked to be closing in on a third successive Primera Liga win after Raul met Gonzalo Higuain's cross with a diving header shortly before halftime that flew into the net past Almeria keeper Diego Alves.
But with just under 10 minutes left, Pablo Piatti beat Gabriel Heinze to Albert Crusat's cross and volleyed superbly past Iker Casillas from close range.
The result completed a frustrating week for Real after they lost 3-2 to Segunda B (third tier) side Real Union in the first leg of their last-32 King's Cup tie Thursday.