 Beckham was taken off after an hour against Bilbao |
Real Madrid lost for the second time in three Primera Liga games when they went down 2-1 to Athletic Bilbao. England captain David Beckham failed to impose himself on the game and was replaced on the hour while Michael Owen was again left on the bench.
Athletic, without a win in their previous four matches, scored through Ismael Urzaiz and Santi Ezquerro.
Raul pulled one back for Real, his first league goal for six months, but Madrid were well beaten.
New Madrid coach Garcia Remon decided to rest Roberto Carlos, with Raul Bravo taking his place, but Bravo was at fault for both Bilbao goals.
The first arrived after 10 minutes when Ismael Urzaiz was left unmarked and slotted the ball past Iker Casillas from close range.
Santi Ezquerro scored the second goal when he got in front of the hapless Bravo and headed powerfully home on the stroke of half-time.
The scoreline could have been a lot worse had Casillas not pulled off a number of good saves.
Raul, with his first goal since 20 March, reduced the deficit in the 51st minute after being set up by a superb backheel from Guti, but that was as good as it got for Real.
MMIX
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