Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Leaders Real Madrid ended a miserable week when they suffered a morale-sapping 4-2 defeat at an inspired Athletic Bilbao in the Primera Liga on Saturday. The champions, who lost 3-2 in extra time to Real Zaragoza in the King’s Cup final on Wednesday, trailed Bilbao 2-0 at the break but managed to scramble their way back into the match when skipper Raul scored twice early in the second half.
Bilbao, however, refused to give way and punished Real for some poor defending when left back Asier del Horno scored two classy goals in two minutes midway through the second half to ensure his side enjoyed a thoroughly deserved victory.
Real have taken two points from their last three games and their four-point lead at the top could be cut to one if second-placed Valencia win at home to Real Mallorca on Sunday.
Deportivo Coruna moved into third, eight points behind Real, after they ended their three-match losing run with a 1-0 win over basement side Murcia. In-form Barcelona could reclaim third spot and move to within six points of Real if they beat Real Sociedad at home on Sunday.
Bilbao’s win over Real kept them in fifth place, level on points with Atletico Madrid who beat Real Betis 2-1 at home in Saturday’s late match. After consecutive defeats in their last two league games, Bilbao had the better of a high tempo start at San Mames, stretching the Real defence with some slick passing and creating a couple of half chances in the first 10 minutes.
Real were slow to respond and lacked sting up front without the presence of leading striker Ronaldo, who is still recovering from a thigh injury. (Reuters)
