Madrid (Spain), Oct 26: Spanish International Raul Gonzalez netted two late goals as Real Madrid came from behind to beat Racing De Santander 3-1 in the eighth round of the Spanish League. The Spanish champion, which lacked injured David Beckham, also got a goal from Zinedine Zidane after Israeli international forward Yossi Benayoun had given Santander the lead.
The hard-earned victory lifted Madrid into second place in the standings, level on points with Valencia but with an inferior goal difference.
Valencia and Madrid have 19 points, one more than Deportivo de la Coruna. Osasuna has 14. Later yesterday, Deportivo was playing Valencia.
In another game yesterday, Malaga defeated Zaragoza 2-1.
Beckham's absence with a hamstring injury appeared to affect Madrid, which struggled against Santander, which had not lost on the road this season.
Santander came out fighting, taking the lead in the 16th minute when Benayoun swiveled and fired past goalkeeper Iker Casillas from a pass by midfielder Fernando Moran.
In a rare Madrid attack in the 27th minute, Zidane swept home Ronaldo's chipped pass with a right-footed volley for a spectacular equalizer.
Bureau Report