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Real Madrid gain some ground
(sportsnetwork.com)
Updated: 2005-04-04 08:55
Real Madrid pulled with nine points of leaders Barcelona after Sunday's
action in La Liga concluded.
Real Madrid's English player
Michael Owen celebrates after scoring against Albacete during a Spanish
league soccer match Sunday April 3, 2005.
[AP] |
Real Madrid took advantage of a Barca draw earlier in the day to reduce the
deficit. Michael Owen's goal just before halftime proved to be the game-winner
for the Merengues, who held on for a 2-1 win at Albacete. Barca scored twice
late in its game to salvage a 3-3 draw with Real Betis Sunday afternoon.
The two Spanish powers will now meet in Madrid next weekend. A win for Barca
would basically secure the title.
Real Madrid would have closed within seven points if not for the heroics of
Barca's Giovane van Bronckhorst. Despite playing with a man advantage for most
of the game, the league leaders fould themselves down 3-1 after Joaquin scored
his second goal of the contest in the 63rd minute. But there was still plenty of
time left for a comeback.
Samuel Eto'o converted a penalty for the second time in the contest on a
questionable call to make it a one-goal game just seven minutes from time. Van
Bronckhorst then chipped past a charging Antonio Doblas in extra time to tie the
match. The final whistle was blown just moments after van Bronckhorst's effort.
Real Madrid also needed to rally in its win. Albacete scored first when Pablo
Martinez Redondo found the back of the net in the 10th minute. But the
'galacticos' only trailed temporarily, as Ivan Helguera answered moments later
for the visitors.
Owen, receiving a rare start after Raul was injured during warmup, caught up
with a pass from Guti and finished nicely for his 10th goal of the season. The
strike just before halftime proved to be decisive, as Real Madrid kept Albacete
at bay in the final 45 minute to earn three points.
Espanyol and Sevilla both moved even on points with Real Betis for fourth
place with victories on Sunday. Sevilla was able to pull out a 1-0 home win over
last-place Numancia behind a goal from Adriano Correira midway through the
second half. Espanyol cruised to a 3-1 triumph on the road against Racing
Santander. Raul Tamudo, Maxi and Daniel Jarque scored for Espanyol.
Deportivo La Coruna and Atletico Madrid both stayed within striking distance
of spots in Europe next season with wins. Deportivo posted a 1-0 victory at
Levante thanks to a goal by Diego Tristan. Atletico Madrid bombarded Mallorca,
4-0, at home.
Malaga and Getafe played to a 1-1 draw in La Liga's other contest as both
team's attempt to avoid relegation.
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