Deportivo La Coruña 2 - Real Madrid 0

Deportivo: Molina; Héctor, Andrade, Pablo Amo, Capdevila; Sergio (Duscher 68'), Mauro Silva; Scaloni, Djalminha, Luque (Munitis 52'); Diego Tristán (Pandiani 84'). 4-2-3-1.
Real Madrid: Casillas; Michel Salgado, Pavón, Raúl Bravo, Roberto Carlos; Beckham (Solari 62'), Cambiasso; Figo, Raúl, Zidane; Ronaldo (Portillo 80'). 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Deportivo: Molina, Pablo Amo, Sergio, Scaloni, Luque for Munúa, César, Duscher, Víctor, Fran / Madrid: Pavón, Ronaldo for Iván Helguera, Solari.

Goals:
1-0. 29. Tristán. Drove ball back into net after Casillas parried Sergio's shot.
2-0. 69. Capdevila. Thundered shot in off post following short free kick.

A depleted Deportivo La Coruña side beat Real Madrid 2-0, a result which could cost Carlos Queiroz's side the league championship. With one eye on next Tuesday's Champions' League semi-final, Javier Irureta put out a starting line up which contained only three of the players expected to start that match, and two of those were substituted later in the game. Madrid meanwhile were at full strength except for the suspended Iván Helguera, Ronaldo returning after a two week injury lay-off and Figo controversially pardoned by the appeals committee after his sending off the week before.

The visitors were hoping for their first win in over ten years in the Riazor stadium, and they got off to a good start when Cambiasso volleyed Figo's cross against the upright in the sixth minute. But the Depor reserves rallied round, and Diego Tristán gave them the lead on the half hour mark following a quick breakaway, Casillas only able to parry a strong shot from Sergio as far as the striker who drilled the ball back through the legs of Raúl Bravo.

The Galacticos came back strongly though, and Ronaldo hit the outside of the post with virtually his first touch of the ball. And even though they were reduced to ten men three minutes before the break when Zidane picked up a second yellow card for a tackle from behind on Djalminha, Raúl hit the woodwork for the third time before the half time whistle.

For a few minutes after the restart Madrid kept up the attack, and Raúl and Ronaldo both had efforts saved by Molina. But Depor could have scored again themselves, Diego Tristán twice getting through only to be frustrated by Casillas. With twenty minutes to go though the locals did wrap things up following a set piece free kick, Capdevila firing a vicious shot in off the post leaving the keeper clutching at air.

Queiroz had already surprised everybody replaced Beckham with Solari earlier on, and he now took off Ronaldo to bring on Portillo. But it was to little effect, and the game ended without further incident other than the Mexican waves from the euphoric local fans. They have another date with destiny on Tuesday, but this result (which ensured their presence in the Champions' League for next season) will set them in good stead. Madrid's season is falling apart, and they now need Valencia to drop points against Betis if they are to have any chance of repeating the league title.