New red-card shame for Beckham

England skipper David Beckham was sent-off for the third time in two months as Real Madrid edged city rivals Getafe 1-0 in the Spanish league.

Beckham received his marching orders 11 minutes into the second half for a rash challenge on Riki after the two players tussled down the touchline.

The England captain had to be restrained after leaving the Bernabau pitch and guided down the tunnel by club officials as he argued with Getafe coach Bernd Schuster.
 
It was Beckham's seventh red card of his career and it will again lead to question marks over his fitness to lead England into the World Cup finals in Germany next summer.

Beckham was sent-off in England's 1-0 World Cup qualifying win against Austria at Old Trafford at the start of October and saw red again playing for Real in their home defeat to Valencia two weeks later - although that was later rescinded.

The dismissal overshadowed a much-needed win for the Spanish giants who secured the three points thanks to a sublime piece of finishing by Brazilian ace Ronaldo in the 18th minute.

The World Cup winner exchanged a sweet one-two with Zinedine Zidane before burying a confident right foot shot into the corner of the net from 18 yards.

It was Ronaldo's eighth goal of a troubled season in which he has been dogged by an ankle injury.

"The most important thing today was the three points," said Ronaldo.

"It was hard in the second half especially with just 10 men and we lost a little control. But we created lots of chances in the first half."

"There were some errors and we must learn from them. My ankle is still giving me some problems but little by little the pain will disappear."

Real coach Wanderley Luxemburgo said he was happy with the three points but there was still work to be done before the team becomes the finished article.

"The win takes us closer to the leaders and we will take confidence from this," said the under-fire coach.

"I would like the team to play calmer but it will come with more wins. Zidane is playing better because he is having more time on the pitch and Ronaldo is a decisive player."

The win took Real into fourth place, three points behind joint leaders Barcelona and Osasuna.

Barcelona, with newly-crowned European footballer of the Year Ronaldinho in sparkling form, travel to fellow Champions League contenders Villarreal on Sunday.

Barca boast the country's top two scorers with Ronaldinho (nine) and Samuel Eto'o (12).

Unheralded Osasuna, who are behind Barcelona on goal difference, travel to Malaga.

Celta Vigo, meanwhile, moved into third place on Saturday with a 2-1 win at home to Real Betis with first half goals from Nestor Canobbio and Fernando Baiano.