Real anguish as Almeria pip kingpins

REAL MADRID’S 2-0 defeat at Almeria on Saturday night has to be the result of the season so far in Spain. Unbeaten in three months, the league leaders were expecting a straightforward three points.

Instead they found opponents who pressed them all over the pitch and never allowed them to settle, and behind them a Brazilian goalkeeper, Diego Alves, in inspired form.

With Fabio Cannavaro conceding a penalty, and Ruud Van Nistelrooy hobbling off with an ankle injury, it was an evening to forget for the champions, although their coach Bernd Schuster will hope they remember not to underestimate determined opponents in future.