Madrid: Roberto Carlos, Roberto Soldado and Robinho scored and Real Madrid downed lowly Racing Santander 3-2 to climb into second place behind newly proclaimed Spanish league champion FC Barcelona.
Roberto Carlos gave Madrid the lead with a 33rd-minute penalty at El Sardinero stadium yesterday after Santander defender Pablo Pinillos ran into Robinho.
Soldado, replacing injured striker Ronaldo, netted on the hour when he turned Raul Gonzalez's low shot over the line, while Robinho extended the visitors' lead 10 minutes later with a shot from just outside the area.
Santander staged a late rally through goals in the 76th minute and injury time by substitute Sergio Matabuena.
With two matches remaining, Madrid has 69 points, while Valencia dropped to third with 68. Osasuna is next with 65.
Barcelona has 79 points and has played a game less.
Madrid, which is unbeaten in its last 11 games, is seeking to finish runner-up and gain a direct berth into next season's Champions League. The 29-time league champion has gone three seasons without a trophy - its worst streak since the early 1950s - and will hold presidential elections probably in July.
Madrid was also without injured Julio Baptista and Jonathan Woodgate together with suspended goalkeeper Iker Casillas, while Zinedine Zidane started on the bench.
Zidane, who announced last week he will retire after the World Cup, was left on the bench but appeared in the 69th minute for probably his third-to-last appearance for Madrid.
Santander's defeat left it 17th with 37 points, only one point above the relegation zone.
Comments
0 comment