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Football

Zidane off as Real crash yet again


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Joan Capdevilla is congratulated by Argentine teammate Lionel Scaloni after scoring the second goal.

MADRID, Spain -- Zinedine Zidane was sent off as Real Madrid crashed to a demoralising 2-0 defeat at Deportivo La Coruna in the Spanish Primera Liga on Saturday.

The French midfield star was shown red for a second yellow card just before half-time with his side already trailing to a 29th minute strike by Diego Tristan.

Joan Capdevilla added the second after 68 minutes for the Champions League semifinalists as Real's title hopes suffered a fresh setback.

They still trail Valencia by a point, but the leaders can increase their advantage at home to Real Betis on Sunday.

Deportivo remain in fourth place, six points off the lead, but just one adrift of Barcelona who also play on Sunday at home to Espanyol.

Real have not won in Riazor since 1992 and were not able to do so here despite Depor coach Javier Irureta putting out what was almost a reserve team, in order to rest key players for Tuesday's Champions League semifinal against FC Porto.

As they did against Barcelona last Sunday, Real did not play badly but lacked precision in front of goal. They made an aggressive start and midfielder Esteban Cambiasso hit the Depor post after just five minutes.

The first goal came in the 29th minute, after Depor's first dangerous move. Keeper Iker Casillas failed to hold a shot from Sergio Gonzalez and former Spain striker Tristan calmly turned in the rebound.

In the 38th minute Ronaldo hit the far post with a low drive, but two minutes later Zidane picked up a second yellow card.

This was Real's third sending-off in consecutive matches, and reflects their state of tense frustration.

Even with a man down, though, Real continued to dominate and Raul hit the crossbar two minutes before the interval. Raul and Ronaldo should then have done better with close-range headers after the restart.

In the 68th minute Argentine Capdevila made it 2-0 with an astonishing long-range drive after a cleverly -worked free-kick. Capdevila's shot took Casillas by surprise and went in off his far post.

Atletico Madrid improved their chances of a UEFA Cup place with a 3-2 win over struggling Celta Vigo in the earlier match.


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