Real Madrid travelled to Real Zaragoza on Saturday looking to strengthen their grip on second position in the La Liga table.
It was the home side that took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes, with Rodri finishing from close range following a sweeping move.
Madrid were level in the latter stages of the first period, however, when Cristiano Ronaldo thumped an effort into the bottom corner from close range.
Both sides had chances in the second period, but neither could find the breakthrough as the points were shared.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! The second of three back-to-back live La Liga commentaries comes from Zaragoza as the home side welcome a resurgent Real Madrid. A torrid run of form has left Zaragoza in 17th position in the table, just two points outside of the bottom three with 10 matches remaining. Should results go against them this weekend, they could find themselves in the drop zone.
However, things could not be much brighter for Real Madrid. They may be 14 points behind Barcelona in La Liga, but they have moved above rivals Atletico Madrid into second, while they are still very much in the hunt for the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. Madrid’s away form has been slightly disappointing this season, however, with five defeats from 14 matches.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make pleasant reading for Zaragoza. Madrid have won each of the last five matches, scoring 13 goals in their last three games. The last time the pair met at this stadium – in August 2011 – Madrid were 6-0 winners. The omens do seem to point to one result.
TEAMS:
ZARAGOZA: Jimenez; Sapunaru, Loovens, Abraham, Alvaro; Movilla, Apono, Montanes, Oriol; Postiga, Rodri
MADRID: Lopez; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Kaka, Modric, Essien; Callejon, Ronaldo, Higuain
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. Just a reminder of the main team news. Zaragoza pair Rodri and Helder Postiga in attack, while Paco Montanes also starts. Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, prefers Gonzalo Higuain to Karim Benzema. The away side get the match underway.
No team in the country is playing worse than Zaragoza at the moment, while no team is playing better than Real Madrid, that is an indication of the task facing Zaragoza this evening. Bright start from the away side as expected with Essien and Modric attempting to gain control of the midfield.
The title may be gone for Madrid this season, but they are locked in a battle with Atletico Madrid for second position in the table. Three points here would move them four clear of their capital rivals. Half-chance for the home side as Postiga collects possession in the box, but he can only fire over from close range.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening six minutes of the match with both sides just attempting to feel their way into proceedings. First sign of Ronaldo as the Portuguese collects possession on the left before firing a searching cross into the box, but Jimenez is out to collect. It must be said that there is a good atmosphere in the early stages of the match.
GOAL! Real Zaragoza 1-0 Real Madrid (Rodri)
Wow! What was I saying? Not too much to report? Well there is now. It is wonderful from Rodri as the Spaniard collects a pass from Apono before advancing past the Madrid defence and curling his effort into the back of the net. The home side lead on the night!
The atmosphere has just jumped up a few levels in the stadium following that strike for Rodri, his first for the club. But you have to wonder whether they have scored too early, as strange as that sounds. Half-chance for Ronaldo down the other end, but his volley is high and wide of the post.
Again Ronaldo is involved for the away side as he leads the counter attack before finding Callejon in the box, but the Spaniard is denied by a fine challenge from Loovens. The defender finds Apono, but the Spaniard is chopped down by Modric, who receives a yellow card for his troubles.
The referee has just been called into action in the last couple of moments as he books Loovens for a late challenge on Ronaldo. The Portuguese rises to his feet to take the resulting set piece, but his effort is wide of the post, which brings the biggest cheer of the evening from the home supporters. It has all gone to plan for Zaragoza thus far.
Another half-chance for the away side as Ronaldo whips a low cross into the penalty area towards Callejon, but Loovens is back to make the clearance. Zaragoza launch an immediate counter down the other end, but this time Ramos is across to clear. End-to-end football with 15 minutes on the clock.
Another half-chance for Ronaldo as the Portuguese combines with Pepe before darting beyond the Zaragoza defence, but the linesman raises his flag at the vital moment. However, replays have suggested that the former Manchester United attacker was indeed onside. Just starting to open up for the Spanish champions.
Again it's good work from the home side as Edu Oriol darts beyond the Madrid defence before whipping a low cross into the penalty area, but there are no takers. Ronaldo attempts to counter down the other end, but he is immediately surrounded by two defenders. Zaragoza have put so much effort into the opening 20 minutes, but can they continue that tempo?
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but the home side continue to cause problems to this Madrid defence. It is perhaps the biggest compliment to youngster Raphael Varane that they look untidy without him. Another half-chance as Rodri strikes from distance, but it just moves high of the crossbar.
Slightly untidy challenge from Ramos as the Madrid defender clashes with Rodri, but the referee takes no action. Not the best of tackles from the Spanish international, but it looked worse than it was. Just about at the midway point of the first period in Zaragoza, with the home side leading courtesy of that early strike from Rodri.
Good pressure from Madrid as Ronaldo combines with Kaka outside the penalty area before attempting to find Callejon, but once more Loovens is across to clear the danger. Apono collects down the other end before slipping a pass towards Postiga, but the Portuguese international is just slow off the mark.
CHANCE! Just about the clearest opening of the match for Madrid as Modric whips a dangerous free kick into the penalty area, but somehow the Zaragoza defence manage to clear at the vital moment. Wonderful persistence from the home side to keep the ball out of the back of the net.
Montanes is again the threat for the home side as the Spaniard weaves past Modric before driving down the right, but Arbeloa is across to quell the danger at the vital moment. Eventually Movilla is allowed to find a cross, but Ramos is on hand to chest back to his goalkeeper. Just a few signs of Madrid frustration as the challenges continue to fly in.
CHANCE! Another chance for the away side as Higuain collects a pass from Ronaldo before advancing into the Zaragoza box, but his final touch just takes him away from the goal, allowing Alvaro to clear the danger. It just hasn't quite happened for the Argentine in the opening 33 minutes of this La Liga encounter.
It has been a tricky match for the referee to officiate thus far with both sides committing untidy challenges in each half. It has not been the most end-to-end fixture that you will see, but Zaragoza are worth their lead at this stage of the match. Little over 10 minutes remaining in the first period at the Estadio de la Romareda.
Madrid just cannot gather control of the ball at the moment with the home side enjoying possession in the opposing half. If you had not seen either of these sides before this evening, you would be forgiven for thinking that Zaragoza were the team second in the table. They have bossed the opening 37 minutes against the current La Liga champions. But there is still a lot of football to be played.
GOAL! Real Zaragoza 1-1 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
Madrid equalise in the latter stages of the first period as Ronaldo converts from close range. It is good work from Higuain as the Argentine finds Ronaldo in the box, the Portuguese takes one touch before firing his effort into the bottom corner. It just had to be him.
Goal number 44 of a remarkable season for Ronaldo, who continues to rival Lionel Messi at the top of the scoring charts. You just feel that Zaragoza have to keep it tight in the final five minutes of the first period. Another strike at this stage would give them an uphill task.
The rain is really coming down at the moment, with Madrid starting to gain control of the match. Another half-chance arrives as Essien meets a cross from Higuain, but Jimenez is across to make a wonderful save. Zaragoza are really hanging on in the latter stages of the first period.
The home side have just managed to stem the tide in the last minute or so with a period of possession, but you suspect that they will welcome the interval. A 1-1 score at this stage is certainly not a bad 45 minutes work. Half-chance for the home side as Rodri strikes from close range, but Lopez makes the save. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Real Zaragoza 1-1 Real Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 1-1. Zaragoza were ahead in the early stages courtesy of a fine finish from Rodri, but Ronaldo levelled for Madrid in the latter stages of the first period. It is delicately poised ahead of the second 45 minutes.
STATISTICS: Madrid have dominated the possession with 68% of the ball, while they have had seven attempts to Zaragoza's two. The statistics do not tell the whole story, however, with Zaragoza matching the Spanish champions for large periods of the first half.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Bienvenu, Franco and Romaric. Meanwhile, Madrid have the likes of Benzema, Ozil and Di Maria in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Just a reminder that following the completion of this match we have action from Valencia as Levante welcome Sevilla. We also have a full programme of fixtures tomorrow, with the action commencing at 10.30am. Be sure to join us for that. Right, the second period is just moments away.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Neither manager has made any changes at the interval, which is perhaps not too surprising at this stage of the match. As it stands, Madrid would remain second, while Zaragoza would sit just one spot outside of the bottom three. The home side get the half underway.
The rain really is thumping down at the moment, which has started to make the pitch slightly bumpy. Early chance for the away side as Marcelo drives a low cross into the penalty area, but Loovens stoops low to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could play a decisive role in the final result.
Zaragoza have not really started in the second period thus far with Madrid utterly dominating possession of the ball. However, the home supporters are doing their best to create an atmosphere for the players to feed off. The ball really is sticking at the moment as the rain creates wet patches in the middle of the pitch.
TRIPLE CHANCE! Three chances for the away side in quick succession. The first comes to Ronaldo as he darts into the box, but Roberto makes the save before Marcelo thumps the rebound against the post. Once more it falls to a Madrid player, but Essien fires high of the crossbar. Real let-off for the home side there.
Half-chance for the home side as Arbeloa fells Rodri outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by Apono, but Higuain is on hand to make the clearance. You just get the feeling that Zaragoza's best chance of a second goal will come from a set piece. Madrid are in control of the possession as the second period gathers pace.
Zaragoza are forced into their first change of the match as Apono is replaced by Romaric, who has struggled to make an impact at the club this season. His strike partner Postiga thumps an effort from distance moments later, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
Ronaldo is again the architect for the away side as the Portuguese hurdles two challenges before firing a low cross into the box, but Abraham is across to make the clearance. The resulting corner allows Modric the chance to hit the penalty spot, but Roberto comes out to claim. Little over 30 minutes of football to play in Zaragoza with the score level at 1-1.
It's really good work from Montanes as the Spaniard evades the challenge of Pepe before being chopped down by Arbeloa, who picks up a yellow card for his troubles. The resulting free kick is taken by Montanes, but the danger is cleared by Ramos. End-to-end football as Madrid advance down the other end with Ronaldo.
Penalty claim for the home side as Postiga hits the deck in the penalty area, but the referee is not interested, despite calls from the home supporters. Madrid gather possession before advancing down the other end, but once more it comes to nothing. Both managers are seemingly preparing chances.
Madrid make a triple change as Sami Khedira, Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria replace Callejon, Kaka and Arbeloa. Not bad replacements to have on the sidelines! Di Maria is involved immediately as he strikes an effort from distance, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
Zaragoza make their first change of the evening as the goal-scorer Rodri is replaced by Victor Rodriguez, who was a surprise non-starter in this match. It's good work from the substitute as he flicks a header towards Postiga, but Essien is across to clear the danger. It is just so delicately poised as we approach the latter stages.
It's smart work from Modric as the Croatian forces Loovens into an error on the edge of the box, it falls to Ronaldo, but Sapunaru is across to clear at the vital moment. You just get the feeling that there is going to be late drama in this match. In many ways, the match has mirrored the clash between Celta Vigo and Barcelona from earlier this evening.
Another half-chance for the home side as Postiga strikes an effort from distance, but once more it is wide of the target. It has been another frustrating evening for the Portuguese international, who does not get much service in this team. Victor has an effort of his own moments later, but it produces the same outcome.
Another frustrating moment for Higuain as the Argentine drives to the edge of the penalty area, only to lose his feet at the final moment. Ronaldo does manage to gather possession moments later, but his effort is high and wide of the goal. It appears that the Madrid gameplan is 'pass to Ronaldo'.
Another half-chance for the away side as Modric darts past two challenges before firing a cross into the penalty area, but Roberto comes out to collect at the vital moment. Not too much from Zaragoza in terms of an attacking threat in the last few minutes, but the home supporters continue to make their voices known.
Again Modric is the architect for the away side as he whips a dangerous cross towards Essien, but the on-loan Chelsea midfielder just cannot make the telling touch. Meanwhile, the referee has one more been called into action to deal with a number of challenges. Slightly untidy period of the match.
It's good work from Abraham this time as the Zaragoza defender drives down the right before whipping a low cross into the box, but Ramos is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Montanes finds a cross into the penalty area moments later, but Postiga's header is palmed wide by Lopez.
Another half-chance for the home side as Loovens meets the corner, but his header is high and wide of the crossbar. Madrid have just stopped playing in the last few minutes, with Zaragoza now looking the team more likely. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining this evening.
Ronaldo is again left frustrated as he attempts to drive into the penalty area, only to be met by a sea of white shirts. Montanes attempts to break down the other end, but Khedira is across to make the challenge. Will we have a winner in the latter stages? End-to-end football in Zaragoza as Marcelo fires wide from inside the box.
Another half-chance for the home side as Postiga meets cross from Montanes, but he clips his header over the crossbar. Meanwhile, Zaragoza make another change as Oriol is replaced by Lucas Wilchez for the final couple of moments. Both teams are offering a threat in the final few minutes.
Half-chance for Madrid in the latter stages as Ozil whips a free kick into the penalty area, but it just moves high and wide of the goal. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of added time as Roberto saves a Ronaldo effort.
Zaragoza continue to press Madrid into their own half with the workrate of Postiga and Montanes forcing errors from the Spanish champions. Ronaldo again attempts to force the issue, but his final pass is just too long for Higuain. Little over two minutes of football remaining.
It just hasn't happened for Madrid this evening as another attack breaks down. Meanwhile, Postiga produces a wonderful piece of work as he wins a free kick in the opposing half. That is just about it for this match with little under 30 seconds remaining.
FULL-TIME: Real Zaragoza 1-1 Real Madrid
So there we have it. Zaragoza hold Madrid to a 1-1 draw this evening. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for action from Levante against Sevilla. Until then!
