Real feel further pain in Spain

Real coach Vicente Del Bosque came under increased pressure last night as his side slumped to their third defeat of the season at Las Palmas.

The Madrilenos defence is sure to come under criticism yet again as the island side exploited Real at every opportunity to romp to a comprehensive 4-2 victory, leaving Real with just five points from six league games.

The Bernabeu giants took off to a flying start in what was to be a spectacular game but it was Las Palmas who opened the scoring when Pablo Lago was left free to smash into the bottom right corner on the half-volley after just eight minutes. Real hit back immediately when a low Geremi cross from the right was diverted in by Pedro Munitis at the near post on 33 minutes. But the tricky Canarios snatched back the lead seconds later following some atrocious defending from the Spanish champions.

Referee Javier Losantos Omar awarded a penalty when Ivan Campo barged Jorge Larena in the box. Jorge took the spot-kick himself, beating Iker Casillas with a low strike inside the left post. Real came back for a second time with a stunning free-kick into the top left corner from the otherwise ineffective Zinedine Zidane just before half-time to make it 2-2.

The Merengues soon began to tire however and Las Palmas plugged away at Madrid's increasingly nervous-looking rearguard.

The second half got off to a disastrous start for Real, who were left with 10 men when Pedro Munitis was issued a direct red card for recklessly kicking Tomas Olías. Then, only to make matters worse, Zidane left the field injured to be replaced by Albert Celades.

Real's fate was sealed through further 2 goals from Rubén, leaving the champions with a huge amount of work to do if they want to claim the league title in their centenary year. The Madrilenos lie in 14th place, nine points adrift of leaders, Barcelona.