Ten-man Madrid held in Mallorca

Ten-man Real Madrid CF held on for a 1-1 draw at RCD Mallorca to extend their advantage in the Primera División to seven points as RC Recreativo de Huelva overcame CA Osasuna.

Madrid lead
Mallorca took the game to the league leaders from the kick-off and Daniel Güiza nearly put them in front after 24 minutes, playing a great one-two with Juan Fernando Arango before shooting into the side-netting. However, it was the visitors who took the lead just before the break when Arjen Robben burst into the penalty area and his cross found its way through to Wesley Sneijder for a simple finish.

Turning point
The home side kept up the pressure in the second half and it increased still further when Sergio Ramos was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 66th minute. Six minutes later, Mallorca were level as clever inter-play between Arango and Borja Valero put the latter through and he curled a beautiful finish past Iker Casillas. The home team had several chances to win the game, most notably when Güiza hit the bar from close range, but had to settle for a point as Madrid hung on.

Recre win
In Saturday's earlier game Recreativo moved out of the relegation places and to within a point of their hosts Osasuna after beating them 1-0. The home side started the game strongly and had several good chances before, completely against the run of play, Recreativo took the lead. A long ball was chased down by Florent Sinama-Pongolle who calmly finished between goalkeeper Ricardo's legs. It was the French striker's ninth league goal of the season and, after Recre weathered some concerted second-half pressure, lifted them to 16th in the standings.