Real Madrid threw away a one-goal lead and missed out on the chance to go top in the Primera Liga following a 2-1 away defeat to Racing Santander on Saturday. Los Meringues skipper Raul fired the visitors in front in the first-half but Argentinean defender Ezequiel Garay scored two second-half penalties to seal a precious victory for Santander. Real defender Ivan Helguera was sent-off minutes before the end for a second bookable offense before teammate Alvaro Mejia followed him on the sidelines after receiving a straight red card for a challenge on Pedro Munitis. Real are third in the league table with 54 points, two behind leaders Barcelona who face Real Mallorca on Sunday while Santander lie seventh on 47 points.
Real players protest the referee's decision Real were ahead in the 33rd minute when Gonzalo Higuain stole the ball from Garay in the right flank before providing a short pass to Raul, whose low shot went beneath keeper Tono. Santander were awarded a debatable penalty in the 73rd minute when Argentinean midfielder Lionel Scaloni apparently fell into the ground after a challenge from Malian midfielder Mahamadou Diarra. Garay stepped-up and converted the ball past Ilker Casillas to level the score. Another controversial penalty was given to Santander two minutes from time when Fabio Cannavaro allegedly pushed striker Nikola Zigic. Television replays showed that there was a slight contact between both players. Garay was also successful on his second attempt despite Casillas' diving effort to block the spot kick.
