1-1:White's Draw because of Player Drought



The 1-1 draw does not seem much of a valuable reward from Real Madrid’s visit to Villarreal. Nuñez scored the white goal in a game that was also white for about three quarters of the playing time. Fortune did not stand by Queiroz’ boys and as two of their shots only hit the woodwork before the opposing goal was beaten for the first and only time. Salgado and Beckham’s performance were the best ones tonight. The defender did one of their best nights both in defence and attack. The goal scored by reserve Nuñez makes Real an unbeaten squad on Villarreal’s ground.

"Zidanes and Pavons”
Queiroz had to draw on many reserve players confirming the “Zidanes and Pavons” policy (Roberto Carlos, Cambiasso and Ronaldo were on international duty and Miñambres and Guti were injured). Six reserves stepped on the pitch tonight making up a very young defence that made a huge effort and concentrated on their job which proved very hard in the early minutes of play when the locals attacking drive seemed unstoppable.
The home side remained under the control of the play for fifteen minutes, but after that time Real started to have more possession of the ball approaching the local area more easily. Zidane got injured when his squad was playing the best. Solari came on for him. Madrid was in command of the game by that time and Salgado and Beckham were both close but they missed it just by one inch.

No luck for the Whites
The scene did not change much after the break. Real remained under control with more and more chances. Queiroz’ boys put the home goal under siege and had to clear opportunities to beat it. Pavón first (47’) and Salgado later (52’) kicked the ball into the bar as people were already lifting up to celebrate the targets. It was all hard luck because Madrid deserved to score. Salgado, the best footballer on the pitch tonight, had as many as three chances to score, but just when Madrid was displaying its best football they got the worst result. Experienced local player Anderson managed to beat Casillas with his first shot at goal.

Madrid was seeking the draw and kept charging the opposing goal. The game went a bit crazy with good chances coming up on both areas. Beckham was close but Reina cleared. Salgado, wonderful again, tried once more and almost hit. Beckham put Reina to the test again, but the keeper did a good job tonight. However, he could do nothing to clear Nuñez’ drive. The reserve made the most of the corner kick taken by the white 23. Real went for the win over the five remaining minutes, but luck was not on their side tonight.

THE MATCH
VILLARREAL: Reina; Venta, Ballesteros, Quique Álvarez, Aruabarrena; Martí, Guayre, Riquelme, Roger; Víctor (Calleja, min. 58) and José Mari (Anderson, min. 70).
REAL MADRID: Casillas; Salgado, Pavón, Rubén, Raúl Bravo; Beckham, Helguera, Figo, Zidane (Solari, min. 25); Raúl and Portillo (Núñez, min. 76).
GOALS:
1-0: 71’: Anderson, volley.
1-1: 85’: Beckham takes a corner kick and Nuñez heads the ball into the net.
REFEREE: Alfonso Pino Zamorano, Castilla-La Mancha Referees Association. Yellow cards to Ballesteros, Calleja, Salgado and Beckham.
OTHER FACTS: El Madrigal Stadium, almost full, field of play in accep