Real Madrid's Marcelo vies for the ball with
Sporting de Gijon's Luis Moran
Depleted Real Madrid ended a disappointing week with a
0-0 draw at Sporting Gijon in La Liga on Saturday, after city
rivals Atletico conceded a farcical last-minute equaliser to draw
1-1 with nine-man Real Mallorca.
Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema had joined Cristiano Ronaldo
and Ruud van Nistelrooy on Real's injury list at a rain-drenched
Molinon, leaving Raul as the only recognised forward.
They found it tough to break down a spirited Sporting side,
although goalkeeper Juan Pablo had to produce a fine save to deny
Esteban Granero in the second half and Kaka sent a free kick
narrowly wide.
Real had the lion's share of possession and pressed forward for
a winner, Xabi Alonso flashing a drive over the bar and Raul having
an effort ruled out for a Kaka handball.
Tempers began to fray as the tension mounted and Mahamadou
Diarra appeared to lash out at Alberto Rivera but Sporting held on
for a deserved point.
