Real end miserable year with 2-1 home defeat
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-12-22 09:14

ZARAGOZA FIGHTBACK

David Beckham reacts after a missed opportunity against Racing Santander during their Spanish First Division soccer match at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, December, 21, 2005. [Reuters]

Real Zaragoza staged the fightback of the day when they came from two goals down at halftime to claim a 3-2 win at home to Athletic Bilbao. It is the first time they have beaten the Basques at La Romareda in seven years.

Racing, who were without six first-choice players and had won just three of their previous 16 games this season, silenced the Bernabeu crowd when defender Ayoze Diaz scored with a curling free kick midway through the first half.

Real were still reeling when midfielder Felipe Melo doubled Racing's lead six minutes later, slicing through the home defence and stabbing the ball past keeper Iker Casillas.

Real coach Lopez Caro rang the changes at halftime, sending on reserve team players Javier Balboa and Roberto Soldado for defender Ivan Helguera and Brazilian forward Robinho.

They were thrown a lifeline midway through the second half when Ronaldo cashed in on a defensive error by Racing's centre backs to nod home unopposed at the far post after they had accidentally headed on a Roberto Carlos throw-in.

But although Real pushed hard in the closing stages they were unable to salvage a point and the Bernabeu exploded with anger at the final whistle.