Del Horno despair for Madrid

Spanish champions Real Madrid CF completed a miserable week as two late goals from Asier Del Horno earned Athletic Club Bilbao a 4-2 success in the Primera División's early game tonight.

Lead under threat
The result meant that Madrid remained four points clear at the head of the standings having played a game more than their nearest rivals. Second-placed Valencia CF are at home to RCD Mallorca on Sunday, with FC Barcelona playing Real Sociedad de Fútbol the same night and RC Deportivo La Coruña, in fourth, coming up against Real Murcia CF later on Saturday.

Final disappointment
Madrid, who lost 3-2 to Real Zaragoza after extra time in the Copa del Rey final on Wednesday night, went 2-0 down to Athletic after two goals in three minutes, from midfield player Francisco Yeste and Ismael Urzaiz, shortly before half-time.

Raúl revival
The visitors looked set to mount one of their trademark comebacks as Raúl González halved the deficit early in the second half, and the Madrid captain then scored a second from close range two minutes past the hour.

Del Horno delight
However, left-back Del Horno restored Athletic's lead with 15 minutes left, and the defender effectively sealed the points with his second and the home side's fourth goal two minutes later.