Queiroz bemoans third sending-off in three games

Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz attributed his side's 2-0 defeat by Deportivo Coruna on Saturday to having a player sent off for a third successive game and a lack of any fortune in front of goal.

"It is very unusual to have to play with 10 men for a third game in a row and especially difficult against a side of the quality of Deportivo," Queiroz told a news conference.

Real dominated for much of the game against Depor, who were fielding a second string side ahead of next Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Porto.

But the home side took the lead against the run of play when striker Diego Tristan snapped home after Real keeper Iker Casillas parried the ball into his path on the half hour.

Midfielder Zinedine Zidane was sent off just before the break when he picked up a second booking for a pointless foul on Djalminha and Depor took advantage to secure the win with a thundering free kick from Joan Capdevila after the break.

"We had the vast majority of the chances," said Queiroz. "We could even have won with 10 players, but we just didn't have any luck in front of goal."

"The league isn't over yet and you can be sure we will be fighting until the very last minute, but obviously it is going to more difficult for us from now on."

With three games left, Real trail Valencia by a point at the head of the standings.

Their rivals will have a chance to extend their lead to four points when they host Real Betis on Sunday and third-placed Barcelona could close to within a point if they beat Espanyol.