Real drop points as Sevilla go top in Spain
Sevilla's dream season continued when they took command of the Spanish Primera Liga at Barcelona's expense with a 2-0 win over Osasuna.
Sevilla's dream season continued when they took command of the Spanish Primera Liga at Barcelona's expense with a 2-0 win over Osasuna.
The UEFA Cup holders had been given the spur after Barcelona's 1-1 away draw at Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, and they did not waste their chance to take the league lead with a one-point advantage over Frank Rijkaard's side.
Malian international Frederic Kanoute took the co-lead of the Liga's scoring charts when he stepped up to score a 50th minute penalty.
Kanoute now shares top spot in Spain with eight goals alongside Argentinian Diego Milito, who scored in Real Zaragoza's 3-1 win over Getafe.
Sevilla's second goal was scored in the 88th minute by Adriano, with Kanoute the provider.
Their hold on the league lead was reinforced by Celta Vigo stunning Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu, which left Fabio Capello's side four points behind Sevilla.
Celta proved more than a match for Real and opened the scoring through the impressive Nene in the 35th minute.
Real equalised through Brazilian Emerson barely eight minutes later, but as both sides chased the winner in a dramatic second half, late substitute Jorge struck for Celta to give them a memorable away win.
Brazilian striker Ronaldo made his first start of the season and former England captain David Beckham, who has also been used sparingly by Capello of late, came on as a second-half replacement.
To his credit Ronaldo, whom Capello labelled "too fat" only days ago, created a handful of goalscoring chances but ultimately failed to hit the net.
Celta keeper Pinto pulled off a superb save in the 19th minute when Ronaldo accelerated briefly before unleashing a left-foot shot at his near post.
Moments later Ronaldo unleashed a second drive, finding space on the edge of the area to test Pinto with a right-foot effort which the Spanish keeper parried.
The turning point in the first half came after Real's claims for a penalty were then waved away despite wing back Sergio Ramos collapsing to the ground after an apparent shove in the box following a free kick.
Celta came out on the counter-attack, and Canobbia made Real pay by holding the ball up deep on the left before delivering a perfect pass across the area which Nene shinned past Iker Casillas in the Real goal.
Two minutes before half-time Real were back on level terms when Emerson got his head to a precise delivery from a Raul corner on the left.
The Brazilian's effort left Pinto clutching at thin air but Emerson's somewhat aggressive reaction was arguably more remarkable than the goal itself.
Emerson had been under fire from some sections of the Real support of late, and he had perhaps been hoping to unleash a gesture to go with his goal but his progress was slowed by a handful of happy teammates.
In the second half Capello upped the attacking ante by sending on Ruud van Nistelrooy, who came on for Robinho.
However despite coming close twice van Nistelrooy failed to make the difference.
Ronaldo would then make way for Beckham, but before the Brazilian tramped off he tested Pinto again with a drive from the left.
Real then had Fabio Cannavaro to thank when he deftly dispossessed Nene after he had escaped on the left flank and was heading towards Casillas' goal.
Celta manager Fernando Vazquez then replaced Canobbio with Jorge, and that proved to be an inspirational substitution.
Van Nistelrooy threatened to put Real ahead with a shot in the 77th minute, but barely eight minutes later Celta took a shock lead.
Real's Jose Antonio Reyes, on as a second half substitute, gave up possession cheaply and Jorge pounced to beat Casillas.