Alaves hold Real

Real Madrid couldn't overpower a workmanlike Alavés on Saturday night in a lacklustre game that ended level at 0-0.

Both teams got off to a slow start but the pace picked up a bit when Real 'keeper Iker Casillas was forced to turn a rasping shot from Magno round the post after 16 minutes.

Fernando Hierro came close for the visitors on 20 minutes when his direct free-kick from 25 yards flew over the bar but Real found it difficult to make any further headway past a stubborn Alavés defence.

The Madrilenos were dealt a blow when central defender Aitor Karanka had to retire from the
game after sustaining what looked like a hamstring injury.

Unfortunately for the spectators, the second half was just as dull as the first, with Alavés blocking a tired-looking Real Madrid every time they looked like mounting an attack.

The only incident occurred 10 minutes from time when Michel Salgado nearly turned the ball into his own net from a low cross - the ball bounced back into play off the left post.

The result won't please Real Madrid coach Vicente Del Bosque, who has yet to lead his team to victory outside of the Bernabeu this season. Real Madrid fall further behind new Primera leaders Deportivo, who have 17 points as opposed to Real's nine points.