Two off as Real's misery continues
MADRID, Spain -- Real Madrid's week of misery continued when they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Espanyol, finishing with nine men after the dismissals of Walter Samuel and Michel Salgado.
Ronaldo wasted a great chance to equalize a 42nd minute goal from Maxi Rodriguez when he missed a 52nd minute penalty.
But Espanyol had already squandered a spot-kick when Raul Tamudo muffed his 32nd minute effort despite two chances.
Real, smarting from a humiliating 3-0 Champions League loss at Bayer Leverkusen in midweek, dropped England captain David Beckham and Spanish striker Raul from their starting line-up.
Michael Owen made his first start alongside Ronaldo, with Albert Celades, Santiago Solari and Juanfran drafted into midfield.
First choice keeper Iker Casillas dislocated a finger during the warm-up and Cesar came in as replacement, but Casillas was pressed into service late in the game when Cesar was hurt.
Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane were out injured.
Espanyol seized their chance against dispirited opponents and four minutes from the interval Argentine Rodriguez picked up a pass from skipper Tamudo to score.
Beckham was summoned from the bench 10 minutes into the second half and sparked a better performance but Ronaldo squandered Real's best opportunity when Carlos Kameni kept out his 52nd minute penalty.
Owen had to make way for Fernando Morientes.
It got worse for Camacho's side when Argentine defender Walter Samuel was sent off for a second yellow card and Salgado followed in stoppage time.
Victory for Espanyol put them joint top of the table with seven points from three games, ahead of Osasuna on goal difference after their 3-2 win at home to Real Betis.
