Real Madrid's title hopes suffered a damaging
blow after they were held to a goalless draw by Deportivo
La Coruna, a result that leaves Jose Mourinho's men seven
points adrift of leaders Barcelona.
Madrid dominated the match but a mixture of the woodwork, good
goalkeeping by Depor custodian Daniel Aranzubia and poor finishing
meant the capital club endured another miserable trip to the
Riazor.
Madrid had gone 18 years without a win at Depor's home prior to
last season's 3-1 victory, and tonight's slip-up means Barca are a
step closer to winning their third successive Primera Division
crown.
Lionel Messi, David Villa and Pedro Rodriguez were all on the
scoresheet as Barcelona saw off Real
Mallorca 3-0 to power on at the top of the Primera
Division standings.
Messi gave Barca a first-half lead with his 26th league goal of
the season before second-half strikes from Villa and Pedro helped
Barca move clear of second-placed Real Madrid.
Barca were without key quartet Xavi, Carles Puyol, Victor Valdes
and Dani Alves through a mixture of injury and suspension and they
looked set for a testing night at the Iberostar Stadium as Michael
Laudrup's Mallorca started brightly.
