Raul's brace helped Real Madrid beat Racing Santander 3-1 at home to extend their lead on top of the Primera Liga after arch-rivals Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw by Espanyol. At Santiago Bernabeu, Real skipper Raul fired his side in front after four minutes when he slotted home after being set-up by Ruud van Nistelrooy's neat pass. Los Merengues went two up five minutes later after Racing defender Sergio Sanchez scored in his own net while trying to clear Wesley Sneijder acute-angled shot. Spain coach Luis Aragones will have every reason to consider his stance regarding overlooking Raul after the in-form striker notched Real's third in the 70th minute. He curled a superb free-kick over the wall and into the back of the net to give coach Bernd Schuster charming moments.
Messi impressed but Barca were held Pedro Munitis scored against his former club three minutes later to give Racing a consolation. In the Catalan derby, Andres Iniesta's simple tap-in after six minutes gave Barcelona the initiative, thanks to Lionel Messi's dazzling run down the right. Despite Barca's dominance, they failed to snatch their second win away from home this season. Ferran Corominas grabbed the equalizer midway through the second half when he received a cut back inside the area with a clever volley into the top corner. Title holders Real are in charge of the league table with 32 points, four clear of second-placed Barcelona.
