Real Madrid played "with hearts in their boots
Real Madrid kept their Spanish title bid alive with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Villarreal last night.
Full-back Michel Salgado was the unlikely hero as Madrid, who ended with nine men.
Salgado side-footed home from 12 yards to give Madrid all three points after it was beginning to look if they would never score against the well-disciplined Villarreal.
The visitors had taken the lead thanks to a 38th-minute Juan Roman Riquelme penalty and had looked good value for their lead after the first 45 minutes before Ronaldo equalised with 20 minutes to go.
Real defender Walter Samuel was then sent off before Salgado scored what proved to be the decider.
In stoppage time Real playmaker Zinedine Zidane and Villarreal's Quique Alvarez were also banished by referee Bernardino Gonzalez Vazquez.
David Beckham shone as Madrid reduced the gap to leaders Barcelona to three points. Barca play today.
Real coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo heaped praise on his players afterwards: "They played with their hearts in their boots!
"The result came from the attitude that we showed. I want to give great praise to my players, for showing pride, heart and demonstrating that we have a group united by the victory and for the fight."
"The victory is not mine, it is the players', who did not play collectively as I like, but they had their hearts in their boots. I have congratulated them because they deserve it."