Ronaldo misses penalty as Madrid draws Valencia
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-03-12 09:52

Real Madrid star Ronaldo missed a last-gasp penalty in Valencia's Mestalla stadium night for the first goalless draw between the two sides for more than two decades.

An otherwise lacklustre Spanish league match was livened up as Ronaldo was tripped by Valencia keeper Santiago Canizares in the 90th minute.

Valencia's Carlos Marchena (L) celebrates after Real Madrid's Brazilian striker Ronaldo failed to score a penalty during their Spanish first division soccer match at Valencia's Mestalla stadium, eastern Spain March 11, 2006. The match ended in a 0-0 draw. [REUTERS]

The Brazilian, who has been at loggerheads with Real fans and team-mates in recent weeks, had a chance to recoup himself but his shot was easily saved by Canizares low to his left.

Real Madrid beat Valencia 3-0 in Paris in the 2000 Champions League final, which had goals, incidents and club football's greatest trophy at stake.

This clash had no goals, hardly any incidents till the penalty and on this showing, neither side will ever get to the position of having a chance of silverware this season.

Madrid had the vast majority of possession in an uneventful first half where the only shot from either side on target came seconds before the interval when Madrid keeper Iker Casillas had an easy tip over the bar.

Madrid, who have recently had both a new president in Fernando Martin and a new coach in Juan Ramon Lopez Caro installed at the club, also look to be a side in transition on the field and a far cry from living up to their legendary status.

Brazilians Ronaldo and Robinho, plus Italian Antonio Cassano, all came on after the break as coach Caro tried to shake things up.

Madrid's Brazilian midfielder Julio Cesar Baptista had a golden chance to score midway through the second half with a downward header from a Zinedine Zidane cross from the right which brought a spectacular reflex save from Valencia keeper Santiago Canizares.

Barcelona, who lead by nine points from both second-placed Real Madrid and third-placed Valencia, have the chance to increase their lead with Sunday's trip to Osasuna.

On this evidence, Frank Rijkaard's Catalonian outfit will not be having sleepless nights about failing to retain their league title.