Liga Report: Depor And Real In Riazor Stalemate

Real Madrid held Deportivo to a 0-0 draw in an uninspiring clash at the Riazor.

The first-half was characterised my much fouling from both teams, with Depor's Fran a regular target.

On three minutes Roy Makaay saw his strike saved by the feet of Iker Casillas, while at the other end only poor control prevented Ronaldo going one-on-one with Juanmi.

After Casillas had come out to punch the ball on 19 minutes, he had to be on his mettle to save a long-range strike from Fran.

Real Madrid were denied what they thought was a penalty shortly afterwards after great work from Santiago Solari, although video replays showed that the Argentine dived in the area.

The closest either side came to a goal was on 25 minutes when Victor curled in a free-kick that sailed over Casillas but bounced off the bar.

Prior to half-time there were worries over a knee injury sustained by Ronaldo after a challenge with Caesar but the Brazilian was able to continue.

Four minutes after the interval Caesar struck a shot from the edge of the box that Casillas did well to push onto the outside of the post.

On 58 Ronaldo and Luis Figo were replaced by Fernando Morientes and Oscar Minambres.

The latter had an impact shortly afterwards when Romero mis-controlled in the box and he shot against the face of the Depor defender.

On 68 Morientes' close-range effort was saved at the near post by Juanmi before Scaloni saw an excellent shot from distance go just over at the other end.

The remaining chances of the match saw MaKaay check in on the left side of the area and shoot wide, while late on Juanmi fumbled Roberto Carlos' pile-driver but the ball was cleared.