A stoppage-time strike by Roberto Carlos earned Real Madrid a hard-fought 3-2 away victory over Recreativo Huelva to maintain Los Meringues' position on top of the Primera Liga table. Although Real Madrid were two-up, thanks to strikes from Brazilian forward Robinho and La Liga's top scorer Ruud van Nistelrooy, Recreativo managed to equalize through goals from Jesus Vazquez and Ikechukwu Uche. Just when Recreativo looked to have snatched a valuable draw, Brazilian full-back Roberto Carlos grabbed the winner for the Spanish giants in injury time. Real remained in charge of the league table with 69 points, two ahead of Sevilla who came from behind to earn a 2-1 win at Deportivo La Coruna. Title holders Barcelona have the chance to go level with Real when they visit Vicente Calderon to face Atletico Madrid later on Sunday. Robinho broke the deadlock after nine minutes when he headed home David Beckham's curling cross from the right flank.
Roberto Carlos snatched a late winner Dutch frontman Van Nistelrooy doubled the lead six minutes after re-start from the penalty spot after Robinho was brought down by Recreativo keeper Bertrand Laquait. Vazquez pulled one back from another awarded penalty in the 75th minute after Sergio Ramos tripped substitute Uche. Unmarked Uche then leveled the score four minutes from time after converting a corner-kick into the back of the net. Fernando Gago was surrounded by a host of defenders inside Recreativo's area but managed to turn around and send a clever pass to the onrushing Roberto Carlos and the Brazilian poked past Laquait. Earlier on Sunday, Sevilla came from behind to beat Deportivo 2-1. Bodipo fired Depor in front in the 72nd minute but Renato leveled the score just three minutes later before in-form Malian striker Frederic Kanoute secured the victory six minutes from time.
