Osasuna drop first home points, Real lose ground
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-01-09 09:31

The Argentine international almost put his side ahead when he shaved the post with a curling shot after a marvellous piece of interplay with fellow countryman Juan Pablo Sorin and striker Diego Forlan went close with a well struck volley soon after.

Zinedine Zidane replied for Real with a rasping drive, but Villarreal keeper Sebastian Viera made a superb fingertip save to turn the Frenchman's shot around the post.

Real suffered a major blow when leading striker Ronaldo went off injured with what looked to be a recurrence of a recent calf strain 12 minutes before halftime.

With Italian striker Antonio Cassano remaining in Madrid to regain his fitness after signing from AS Roma, coach Ramon Lopez Caro decided to give his other new signing Cicinho his debut.

Villarreal continued to hold the upper hand in the second half and Forlan spurned a great chance to give them the lead when he scooped the ball over the bar after Jose Mari had threaded a neat pass through Woodgate's legs.

Woodgate, who had showed occasional glimpses of the form that caused Real to sign him at the start of last season, was fortunate to stay on the pitch when he brought down Jose Mari as the striker raced clear in the 73rd minute but he escaped with a booking.

Both defences remained firm for the remainder of the game and the two sides had to settle for a draw.

At the other end of the table, basement side Alaves were left three points adrift of fellow strugglers Bilbao after losing 2-0 at home to Real Zaragoza, the goals coming courtesy of in-form strike partners Diego Milito and Ewerthon.