Real Madrid leading the league on virtue of better head-head record than Barcelona played a very tough match against 5th place Real Zaragosa away from home. Barca hosted Espanyol at the Nou Camp and Sevilla travelled to relegation struggling Real Mallorca. To make things really interesting all 3 games had the exact same kick off time.
85 Mins into all three games no one would have imagined that things will turn around so dramatically in favor of Madrid. Sevilla were playing out a draw against Real Mallorca and reduced to 10 men after Dragatunovic was sent off it that would take them to 71 points.
Capello lined up a Madrid line up that clearly showed that he was afraid of conceding goals against a very attacking minded Zaragosa. He moved Sergio Ramos to RB and brought in Helguera to play alongside Cannavaro in the center of defence. He played Emerson and Diarra as well in midfield. The first 15 mins as expected Zaragosa came out like a hurricane and Madrid riding a lot of luck came out of it. After 20 mins or so Zaragosa looked like playing without any purpose and against the run of play a penalty was awarded against Helguera. On first look though the penalty looked harsh in the replays it showed that the ball hit Helguera's hand for sure. Diego Milito scored from the penalty without any trouble. Madrid tried to get some attack going but Van Nistelrooy was hardly getting to see the ball. Right at half time Van Nistelrooy almost headed Madrid back in level terms but it was a fantastic save from the former Real Madrid keeper Cesar that took Zaragosa into half time at 1-0.
Meanwhile at the Nou Camp it was Espanyol scoring first and then the most bizarre goal of the season to equalize the score for Barca. Messi of whom i have got numerous videos and articles comparing him to Maradona was out to prove a point. The "Hand of God" was repeated when Messi jumped to head the ball and clearly the ball went in off his hand and only hit his hand. From the ensuing arguments from the Espanyol team, numerous players got booked. It was 1-1 at half time at the Nou Camp.
Madrid looked to have lost it all after playing well in the last 10 games to get to this spot. Van The Man equalized for Madrid with a headed goal to give some hope but Barca through Messi scored again to make it 2-1 in favor of Barca. Real had still hope as they play at home next weekend and Barca away so a point would also keep them active technically.
Zaragosa had other plans as a maze run from Pablo Aimar resulted in a goal from Milito again to make it 2-1 for Zaragosa.
At half time Capello had made some serious changes. He took out Emerson and brought in Guti. Took out Raul and brought in Higuain and he replaced Robinho with Reyes. There was a period of numerous chances to Higuain but the 20 year old could not finish any of them. Finally in the 88 minute as we have always seen in the past Madrid games Ruud Van Nistelrooy scored goal number 26 in the league to equalize.... But it was only a point, right when news filtered in from Barcelona that Espanyol had equalized through Raul Tamudo and it was Real Madrid's turn to celebrate in Zaragosa. Impatient captain Raul, Robinho and Emerson and everybody on the bench urged their team to defend and avoid any surprises.
It is 73 points for Madrid and Barcelona. 71 for Sevilla.
It all boils down to June 16th when Real Madrid will host Real Mallorca. A victory will guarantee them celebrating the first league title in 4 years. The last time they won in 2003, it was in similar fashion when they had to win the last game to ensure the title. This has been an amazing season for Real, they have been pretty mediocre to begin with but beyond the winter break they have been absolutely amazing. They have broken numerous records. It is the maximum away victories for Real Madrid ever. Their striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy has clocked 33 goals in all competitions and is one goal shy of the Golden boot. This must be the best first season for a new signing at Madrid for atleast the 12 years that i have followed them. David Beckham who is having the best season in Madrid and Roberto Carlos leaving the Capital city club at the end of the season, more reasons for Madrid to win and more reasons that they deserve to win.
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