Charlton goalkeeper Stephane Andersen has been linked with a move to Real Sociedad after becoming frustrated at his lack of first-team football at The Valley.

The Danish stopper started the season as the Addicks number one and was hugely impressive during the club's fine start to the season. However as results tailed off Alan Curbishley turned to Dean Kiely and Thomas Mhyre meaning Andersen lost his place. Even after Kiely was sold Andersen was forced to watch on from the sidelines until a couple of appearances towards the end of the campaign. Andersen has admitted he could be forced to look for a loan or permanent move away from the club and reports from Spain claim that Sociedad are keen to do a deal. The Addicks have been linked with Hull stopper Boaz Myhill and Noriwch's Robert Green and Iain Dowie is believed to be keen on added a new keeper to the ranks. The chance to cash in on Andersen may be too good to turn down as the Addicks prepare to add to the squad this summer.

Liverpool are waiting to see if their latest application for a work permit for Mark Gonzalez is successful.

The Reds are hoping the highly-rated Chilean winger will be able to join them in time for the new season, after spending last term on loan at Spanish side Real Sociedad.

In his column on the club's official website, chief executive Rick Parry said: "I can confirm that we have put in a work permit application for Mark Gonzalez. He's now fully fit which he wasn't at this time last year and has been playing well for Spanish side Real Sociedad.

"We are also seeking a long-term deal whereas initially it was a one-season loan. The other plus is that Chile have broken into the world's top 70 in the FIFA rankings.

"We believe our case is much stronger this time round and he would be a great acquisition for us. The player is exciting and incredibly quick.

"The authorities normally respond fairly quickly and I anticipate we will have a decision in time for pre-season."

Atletico Madrid coach Pepe Murcia has called for his players to forget about their impressive victory over Barcelona last week and to focus on the visit of Real Sociedad on Sunday.

The Rojiblancos, who are 11th, secured a remarkable double over the league leaders last Sunday as they ran out 3-1 winners in the Nou Camp, to make it three wins in three for the former youth team coach, Murcia.

But Murcia said: "You expect everyone to be on a high after such a result, especially after such a worrying period. But now we must forget all about it and let the fans be euphoric instead. If the result in Barcelona is to be of any importance we have to win at home against Real Sociedad."

Irish-based Liverpudlians will get the chance to see future Red Mark Gonzalez in action this week after he was named in the Chile squad for Wednesday's friendly international at Lansdowne Road.   Barring any further problems regarding his work permit, Gonzalez will join Liverpool for the start of pre-season training in July.

He spent the latter part of last season on loan at Real Sociedad, where his fine form helped steer the Basque club clear of relegation from La Liga.

A winger with electric pace, his Anfield arrival is eagerly anticipated and there's bound to be a lot of interest surrounding his appearance against the Republic of Ireland.

Kick-off in Dublin on Wednesday is 7.45pm and the game is being televised live on Sky Sports.

Jose Mari Bakero will continue to combine the posts of sports director and coach at Real Sociedad for the next two seasons, the Primera Liga club said on Tuesday.

Bakero steered the Basque side clear of relegation this term after stepping in to replace sacked Gonzalo Arconada in March.

Arconada had only been in the post for two months after he was appointed to replace Jose Maria Amorrortu in January.

Real Sociedad finished the season in 16th place.

Espanyol coach Miguel Angel Lotina has resigned, soon after his side staged a dramatic escape from relegation in their final league match of the season.

"I think it is better to leave now at a moment of celebration rather than delay things," said Lotina after a last-gasp 1-0 home win over Real Sociedad.

Lotina took charge of Espanyol at the start of last season and steered the side to their best league placing in almost a decade when they finished fifth in the Primera Liga.

This season they won the King's Cup, crushing Real Zaragoza 4-1 in the final at the Bernabeu, but their future in the top flight was in doubt right up to the last minute.

"I think it has been a very satisfactory two years," said Lotina. "I don't say that just because we won the Cup, but also because we have played some good football.

"We have done a lot of good work with the youth sides and in a recent game eight home-grown players played for the first team. I can only praise Espanyol and I believe that the club has all the ingredients needed to triumph in the future.

"I'm now going to take a rest and I can tell you that I have not signed an agreement with any other club."

Winger Mark Gonzalez says he has no intention of moving to another Spanish club.
Having impressed during a loan spell with Real Sociedad, numerous Spanish clubs have been trying to tempt him from his planned future at Anfield but he says they'd be wasting their time because he wants to play for Liverpool.

Gonzalez said: "I am very thankful to Real Sociedad and their coach Jose Mari Bakero, but while they'd like me to stay I'm going to England to join Liverpool.

"I'm waiting until June 30 when I'll receive my papers authorising me to play and work in England. Obviously, the next step in my career is to play for Liverpool.

"I have been in touch with Rafa Benitez and Paco Herrera. They have been always up to date with my personal and professional situation."

Celta Vigo's Champions League aspirations suffered a fatal blow on Sunday after a stirring comeback at Real Sociedad resulted in a 2-2 draw.

The home side, who remain in relegation danger, stormed into a 2-0 lead through Xabi Prieto and and Morten Skoubo only for Celta to hit back with two goals either side of half-time from Fernando Baiano.

It was the second time in five days that Sociedad had squandered a two-goal advantage following the midweek stalemate with Cadiz.

There was no sign of a bad reaction to that setback when Sociedad took the lead in the seventh minute via a penalty.

Angel Lopez brought down on-loan winger Mark Gonzalez and Prieto converted from the spot, sending Celta keeper Jose Manuel Pinto the wrong way.

Celta felt the spot-kick award was harsh and substitute Jesus Perea took his protests too far and was sent off by referee David Fernandez Borbalan.

The visitors were struggling to find a foothold in the game and Skoubo ought to have made it 2-0 after 16 minutes but his shot was saved by Pinto.

Pinto was a busy man in the opening stages and his next involvement was to keep out John Viafara's shot.

Gonzalez has been a revelation at Sociedad since signing a temporary deal from Liverpool and the Chilean almost added to his burgeoning reputation after 19 minutes with a mazy dribble and shot which hit the post before bouncing to safety.

The rampant hosts came close again after 26 minutes, Skoubo seeing his shot saved by Pinto.

Celta finally mustered a decent chance on the half hour mark but Daniel De Ridder's shot was smuggled clear by the Sociedad backline.

Sociedad quickly regained the initiative, however, Alvaro Novo playing in Gonzalez only for his shot to be saved by Pinto.

The hosts' bright approach deserved further reward and the second goal duly arrived seven minutes before the break.

Skoubo found some space on the right side of the area and smashed a wonderful shot past the helpless Pinto.

Celta pulled one back in first half injury time, Baiano netting from the spot.

Baiano almost grabbed his second of the afternoon 10 minutes into the second half but his shot was kept out by Alberto Lopez in the Sociedad goal.

He was not to be denied though and Baiano made it 2-2 with a fine shot from the right side of the area.

Sociedad regrouped and dominated the rest of the contest.

Prieto, Gonzalez and Prieto again were denied by the excellence of Pinto and some resolute defending from the visitors.

The draw means Celta cannot now catch fourth-placed Osasuna as they are four points adrift of the Pamplona outfit with just one game remaining.

Ivan Campo looks set to sign a new one-year contract at Bolton.

The former Real Madrid star will have a meeting with manager Sam Allardyce next week following the final match of the season, against Birmingham on Sunday.

Campo's current deal is due to expire in June and he has been linked with moves to Real Sociedad and Real Mallorca in Spain. 

But he is keen to extend his stay at Bolton after arriving in August 2002 from the Spanish giants Madrid.

Campo, 32, said: 'It is not only teams in Spain that have been asking about me but others as well. They have been inquiring about my future and what my situation is.

'But I do not want to speak to these teams until I have talked to the manager. Bolton is a special place for me now because of the coaches, the players and the supporters. I would like to stay as I am very happy here.'

Campo has endured a frustrating season after suffering two fractured metatarsals and being involved in only 17 matches.

He added: 'I am just glad to be back playing again as I have had some bad luck this year.'

Cadiz's Primera Liga survival hopes are hanging by a thread despite scoring a last-gasp equaliser to keep Real Sociedad sweating on their own top-flight future.

Lucas Lobos scored from the spot to complete a dramatic comeback after Sociedad looked to have all-but secured their survival by taking a 2-0 lead.

Xavi Prieto and Gaizka Garitano struck for the visitors early in each half but Fabian Estoyanoff cut the deficit within three minutes of coming off the bench and the hosts even a had goal disallowed before Lobos' spot-kick.

Sociedad arrived at the Estadio Ramon de Carranza knowing a win could guarantee their Primera Liga status and they began with that mission firmly in mind.

They were ahead inside eight minutes when Daniel Cifu pumped a free-kick into the area, which was nodded back across goal by Gari Uranga.

The ball found Prieto, who peeled off his man before firing a low volley past a motionless Alejandro Limia and into the bottom corner for his eighth goal of the season.

The visitors had Asier Riesgo to thank for preserving that lead moments later, the goalkeeper pulling off an outstanding close-range save from Jonathan Sesma, who had been found by Mariano Pavoni.

The stop was all the more remarkable because Riesgo managed to get fingertips to the ball despite colliding with his own defender.

Cadiz's desperation was almost tangible, and their pressure nearly forced an equaliser half-an-hour in when Sociedad failed to clear a Lobos free-kick.

The ball fell to Andres Fleurquin 12 yards out, but the Uruguayan could only blast wide of the near post.

Five minutes before half-time Cadiz again squandered a good opportunity when Enrique Ortiz found Luciano Vella in space on the edge of the box.

The full back burst into the area but his shot was blocked by a last-gasp challenge by Igor Jauregui.

Sociedad looked to have suffered a blow when Riesgo was forced off injured, but Alberto Lopez quickly settled between the posts with a sprawling save from Enrique's drilled free-kick.

All Cadiz's hard work appeared to have gone to waste three minutes after the restart when Mark Gonzalez's corner from the left found Garitano, who didn't even have to jump to head the ball into the net from eight yards.

Cadiz refused to surrender, head coach Victor Esparrago throwing caution to the wind.

Within five minutes it paid dividends as the newly-introduced Estoyanoff took advantage of some slack defending at a throw-in to steal into the box unnoticed before firing an angled drive inside the far post.

Cadiz thought they'd salvaged a point in the final minute when Oli Alvarez bundled the ball home from close range, but the veteran striker was adjudged to have committed an offence in the build up and the goal was disallowed.

However, the home side were not to be denied and with time almost up Cifu's rash tackle on Fernando Moran gave them the chance to equalise from the spot.

Lobos kept his composure to send his kick high past Alberto but it is almost certainly too late for Cadiz, who look like needing to win both their remaining games to stand any hope of survival.

Sociedad cannot afford to relax either - with Alaves beating Real Betis, they are now only two points clear of the drop zone.

Real Sociedad o travel to fellow strugglers Cadiz on Wednesday knowing they will secure their Primera Liga survival if they better Alaves' result against Real Betis.

Under Jose Maria Bakero, Real have found an extra gear and moved five points clear of the relegation zone with three games remaining.

On-loan Liverpool winger Mark Gonzalez has been particularly impressive in attack, helping to take the pressure off Nihat Kahveci, who has endured a disappointing few months.

However, Sunday's ill-disciplined defeat by buoyant Sevilla means they are still not safe.

Cadiz, meanwhile are locked in the bottom three, and could suffer an immediate return to the Segunda B if results go against them.

They played well against Barcelona at the weekend but were ultimately undone by the champions, who won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Ronaldinho.

Cadiz can take confidence from spells in which they passed the ball around well and created chances.

Jonathan Sesma had a goal ruled out for offside and also went close with another effort.

While Real will be looking to pick up three points, they will also have one eye on the game at Mendizorroza between Alaves and Betis which is played at the same time.

"A point could be valuable, while they need three points, and so it is going to be a battle," said striker Gari Uranga.

"We have to play a solid and focused match but we are not going to go there looking for a point as when that happens you always end up losing."

Real will be without Aitor Rekarte and Nihat, who were both shown the red card at the weekend, their places likely to go to Igor Gabilondo and Jose Javier Bakero.

Cadiz brought one of the largest away followings to Barcelona at the weekend and defender Eduardo Berizzo claims that despite being four points adrift of safety, their belief has not wavered.

"Although the figures are against us we have to go out and win the matches which remain," he said. "We must give everything because at this stage of the season there are no second chances and no point feeling sorry for ourselves.

"If we can beat Real, then they will become direct rivals with us for relegation. We could put ourselves just three points off them and we also have the better goal-difference.

"We have chances mathematically of surviving and surpassing those above us.

"It is important that at the moment we keep our heads and play like we did against Barcelona where we were at our best.

"We have the threat of relegation but we have to cope with that without getting too anxious. We must turn it into adrenalin and produce good play.

"We are up against a side which also has worries and the crowd can also help us by getting behind the team."

Berizzo experienced relegation with Celta Vigo two seasons ago and he admits he is haunted by the fear of it happening again.

He said: "At the moment it is impossible to think about anything else, I cannot distract myself with anything and I think we all need to follow the path of the fans who are transmitting a positive air.

"We are proud to represent them on the pitch."

UEFA Cup finalists Sevilla gave their hopes of competing in Europe next season a further boost by clinching a 2-1 victory on the road against nine-man Real Sociedad.

All fears of a European hangover evaporated after Jesus Navas gave the visitors the lead 12 minutes into the second period, while Jose Luis Marti doubled the advantage from the spot after 70 minutes before Jordi Lopez put through his own net to set up a nervy climax.

Sociedad defender Aitor Lopez Rekarte saw red for the foul that led to the penalty, while Nihat Kahveci compounded the home side's misery after receiving a straight red for a reckless challenge seven minutes from time.

Sevilla made a purposeful start to the match and might have gone ahead after just three minutes, Marti going close with a free-kick that was well saved by Asier Riesgo.

Julien Escude had another chance for Sevilla just two minutes later, but he lacked composure when presented with a good opportunity and sent the ball crashing wide of the target.

Mark Gonzalez then came close for Sociedad after nine minutes, but he miscued after Alvaro Novo's clever throw had played him in.

Sevilla's best chance of the first half fell to Lopez, who fired in an excellent free-kick that slammed against the upright, while Kepa Blanco went close with a bullet header just before the break.

A much livelier second period saw Adriano Correia almost make the breakthrough for the visitors after 53 minutes, but his shot from just inside the area skewed wide of the target.

But Sevilla didn't have to wait much longer for the opening goal, which came after 57 minutes when Navas set off on a fantastic run before finishing coolly beyond the advancing Riesgo.

With 20 minutes remaining, Sociedad's chances of mounting a fightback took a blow when Rekarte saw red for deliberate handball in the area, the resulting penalty despatched with aplomb by Marti.

Matters then lurched from bad to worse for Jose Mari Bakero's men after 83 minutes, as substitute Nihat received his marching orders following a dangerous tackle on Antonio Puerta, having only been on the pitch for 10 minutes.

Despite their two-man disadvantage, Sociedad grabbed a consolation after 87 minutes when the unfortunate Lopez found his own net after a mix-up in the visitors' defence.

Buoyed by this lucky break, Sociedad's remaining players pushed hard in the closing moments, in defiance of their numerical inferiority, but failed to muster any decent chances.

The defeat leaves the hosts casting an anxious backward glance at the relegation trap-door, and with an away game against second-bottom Cadiz coming up in midweek, Sociedad could easily find themselves sucked into a survival dogfight as the season draws to a close.

Arsenal will be travelling to a fortress.

Villarreal have yet to lose at home in Europe but the Yellow Submarine know that it is useless to play a defensive game. They

But Manuel Pellegrini's side will be fresh. The wily coach made wholesale changes and rested 10 players for last weekend's La Liga match against Real Sociedad. Defender Cesar Arzo, who saw action at Highbury, was the only man in that makeshift side as Villarreal lost 2-0 to Sociedad.

As Villarreal languish in 10th place in Spain, it is clear where their priorities are.

That is why they need to rest key players like Juan Roman Riquelme, who had a mixed game in North London. While he threatened at set-pieces, he was muted during open play. Now, with home advantage, you can expect the Argentinian to bite back.

Pellegrini has no choice but to attack right from the start. Once the whistle blows, the crowd will be expecting them to grab an early equaliser. If Arsenal can weather the storm for the first 30 minutes, they would have taken a huge step towards the final as the home fans could turn on their team.

It will be a battle of wills.

ARSENAL'S HEADACHE

The Gunners have a tough nut to crack. They know that 1-0 is not enough. They needed a second goal in London to kill off the Spanish side.

This season, despite having injuries to key players, Arsene Wenger's makeshift defence had done him real proud, keeping nine consecutive clean sheets in 829 minutes of European football.

But the Professor's plans has a major setback as Philippe Senderos is ruled out through a knee injury.

Wenger has no choice but to recall Sol Campbell, who has just recovered from a broken nose and suffering from a loss of form.

Despite their lack of experience, Senderos, together with Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue and Mathieu Flamini, have been rock solid in the Champions League thanks to their coaching from former Arsenal great Martin Keown.

With the Swiss centre-back ruled out, the continuity and stability is disrupted. In addition, Campbell's lack of confidence and match practice could actually do more harm than good.

THE BIG BATTLE - JUAN ROMAN RIQUELME v GILBERTO SILVA

One reason why Riquelme had a relatively quiet game in Highbury was the sterling work of Gilberto Silva.

Wenger positioned the Brazilian in a holding midfield role to shield his back four against the dangerous playmaker and the plan worked well.

In the first leg, Riquelme was shackled although he did threaten with set-pieces. But in open play, Gilberto did a good job in minimising the effectiveness of the Argentinian.

We can expect the Professor to utilise a similar tactic at the Madrigal. Gilberto will be the pivotal figure in sinking Villarreal.

If he can nullify Riquelme, half the battle would have been won.

MAN TO WATCH - JOSE MARI

Even if Riquelme is silenced, he is still a genius at set-piece situations.

And during the first-leg at Highbury, Arsenal gave away too many free-kicks just outside the box and were lucky to escape unpunished.

The reason why so many free-kicks were awarded was that the Gunners were not prepared for the diving antics of Jose Mari (below).

The striker would fall over at the slightest touch. Once he is in possession on the edge of the box, he would roll over and feign injury even when no contact is made with a defender.

So far, Villarreal's success story has been a fairytale. They have transformed from an unfashionable club into a power in Europe. But when their pretty football is not effective, be prepared to see their ugly side through Jose Mari.

THE VERDICT

This is the Gunners' biggest test in Europe so far. They are up against a real cunning opponent.

Wenger benched Thierry Henry, Freddie Ljungberg, Cesc Fabregas and Eboue from his starting line-up against Tottenham but still had to send some of them back into action when they were chasing the game.

In contrast, Villarreal had the luxury to rest 10 first-teamers for the weekend fixture against Sociedad.

The Yellow Submarine needs an early goal quick to settle their nerves and having fresh legs will be a big boost. Also, their cause will be helped by Arsenal's loss of Senderos and they will want to exploit the weak link in Campbell, who has clearly lost a yard of his pace.

But the Gunners can still count on their iron defence and Gilberto's screening from midfield. That said, they still have to be wary of Mari's diving and Riquelme's threat.

Not all is lost. Arsenal have a tremendous team spirit. And only through their unity will they qualify for the final in Paris.
 will be forced to attack as they are chasing a one-goal deficit from the first leg.

Goals by Mikel Alonso and Mark Gonzalez helped lowly Real Sociedad  beat Champions League title-chasers Villarreal 2-0 in the Spanish league.
Meanwhile, Celta Vigo defeated Zaragoza 4-0, and Atletico Madrid edged Alaves 1-0 yesterday.
Uruguay goalkeeper Sebastian Viera was not able to hang onto midfielder Alonso’s long-range shot in the ninth minute, and South Africa-born Chilean Gonzalez scored from a free kick which stayed low and deflected off Villarreal’s defensive wall in the 27th minute.
Sociedad were 12th in the 20-team standings, five points clear of the relegation zone, while Villarreal remained eighth on 49. FC Barcelona led the standings on 73 points, followed by Valencia (62) and Real Madrid (60).
Fifth-placed Celta Vigo secured their 18th win this season when they beat Zaragoza 4-0. Uruguayan midfielder Nestor Canobbio pounced on a rebound from former Real Madrid goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez in the 30th minute.
Jorge Larena scored in the 46th minute after Sanchez once again failed to control the ball, slipped and fell just outside the penalty area, leaving his goal unprotected. Jesus Pereda rose above the defence with an unstoppable header from a corner in the 80th minute, and two minutes later Canobbio deftly lobbed the ball over a hapless Sanchez.

West Ham reach FA Cup final
Marlon Harewood fired the winner 12 minutes from time as West Ham beat Middlesbrough 1-0 at Villa Park today to reach the FA Cup final for the first time in 26 years.
In the 13 May final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, Mr Alan Pardew’s Hammers will face six-time FA Cup winner Liverpool who beat Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford yesterday.
Ashton headed a left-wing cross against the top of the crossbar in the 55th minute before he set up the goal. Ashton won the ball in the air and he headed it down for Harewood to control it and fire a left footer past substitute goalkeeper Bradley Jones.

Mark Gonzalez scored the only goal and Real Sociedad  won 1-0 against Racing Santander. 

The Durban-born midfielder struck a perfectly timed left-footed volley from outside the area to score in the 75th minute.

The win lifted Sociedad out of the relegation zone to 14th place in the standings, one point above Santander.

Santander's team bus arrived at the Anoeta Stadium with a broken window after local fans hit the vehicle with bottles and other objects. Although no one was injured, police made several arrests, the Interior Ministry said.

In Saturday's only other match, Mallorca drew 0-0 against Alaves.

FC Barcelona, which won 1-0 over Villarreal on Friday, leads the standings with 73 points, 14 more than Valencia and Real Madrid. Osasuna has 58 points while Sevilla has 53 and Celta Vigo has 51.

A spectacular late strike from on-loan midfielder Mark Gonzalez gave Real Sociedad  a 1-0 home win over Racing Santander which lifted the Basque side out of the relegation zone on Saturday.

Gonzalez, who joined from Liverpool in January, cracked in a superb left-foot volley from 20 metres with 15 minutes to go.

The victory pushed Sociedad up to 14th with 35 points from 33 games, one ahead of Racing, Espanyol and Real Mallorca and two clear of the drop zone.

The goal was the only bright moment in a dour encounter in which nerves got the better of two struggling sides.

The South African-born Chile international has scored four goals since joining Sociedad following a nine-month injury absence caused by a knee ligament injury.

Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez made it clear earlier this week he wants the winger to rejoin his club at the end of the season.

Mallorca missed a chance to ease their relegation worries after a 0-0 draw at home to Alaves, who replaced Sociedad in the drop zone on 33 points.

Alaves had the better of the first half and should have taken the lead when striker Rodolfo Bodipo was put clear and he failed to beat Mallorca keeper Toni Prats.

Mallorca took control in the second period but they were unable to break down a dogged Alaves defence, midfielder Guillermo Pereyra planting a looping header on to the bar from their best chance of the match.

Deportivo Coruna and Sevilla meet in Saturday's late match as the two sides look to strengthen their bids for a place in Europe next season.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has praised the performance of Real Sociedad's Mark Gonzalez against Real Madrid last weekend, and he hopes his efforts will be rewarded with a move to Liverpool next season.  The reigning European champions attempted to sign the Albacete player last summer but Gonzalez failed was turned down for a work permit by the Department of Employment.
Gonzalez subsequently moved to Real Sociedad on loan and impressed in a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid.
"He was the best player on the pitch against Madrid and that's three goals he's scored now since he went to Sociedad," said Benitez.
"I said at the time I was surprised by the decision not to allow him to join us.
"When you see the level he is playing at now, it shows we had a good case and what a good player he actually is.
"We are hopeful he will come in the summer because he can be an important player for us," added Benitez.
"He has pace, quality, can score and he works very hard for the whole 90 minutes for the team - all qualities that will help him settle in quickly here.
"You have to remember he was injured for six months and so he is improving with every game he plays, recovering his fitness and raising his level. He can make an impact in The Premiership."

Ronaldo scored his 100th goal but Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with lowly Real Sociedad on Saturday virtually snuffed out its hopes of catching Spanish league leader FC Barcelona.
Ronaldo, playing his 164th game in all competitions since joining Real from Inter Milan in 2002, volleyed in Zinedine Zidane's low free kick in the 26th minute at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Sociedad equalized through Mark Gonzalez in the 62nd to leave Madrid 10 points adrift of Barcelona.
Barcelona now needs only nine points from its remaining seven games to ensure it retains its title.
Madrid, which last won a major trophy in 2003, was replaced in second position by Valencia, which edged Celta Vigo 1-0 on the back of Miguel Angel Angulo's goal.
Midfielder Jose Maria "Guti'' Gutierrez added to Madrid's difficulties in the 86th minute by insulting the referee and receiving a red card.
"We didn't expect this game. We had been making good progress in terms of our play, discipline and attitude,'' Madrid coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro was quoted as saying.
"The team tried hard to reach our opponent's goal and win the match but we failed.''
Following discussions with Madrid president Fernando Martin after the game, Lopez Caro canceled an arrangement for the players to have two and half days off this week.
Barcelona leading
FC Barcelona leads the league with 69 points, followed by Valencia and Madrid with 59. Osasuna has 55 points, four more than Sevilla and Celta.
Madrid, without injured David Beckham and suspended Roberto Carlos, struggled as a lively Gonzalez fired several shots before Ronaldo scored his fourth goal in as many games.
The Brazilian limped off the field to applause in the 57th minute.

A 5-3 win at home to lowly Cadiz, coupled with Osasuna's shock 0-4 thrashing at home to Getafe, lifts Valencia back up to third in the Spanish Liga.  These high-scoring results Sunday leave Valencia with 56 points from 31 games, one point above inconsistent Osasuna.

Valencia are still two points behind Real Madrid. Real battled out a 1-1 draw away to champions-elect Barcelona Saturday, who remain no less than 11 points above them.

Valencia scored their first win in seven games thanks to two goals apiece from internationals David Villa and Miguel Angel Angulo.

But their once formidable defence allowed Cadiz, who are second from bottom, to score three times.

'Our defending was horrible today,' said Valencia coach Quique Sanchez Flores. 'But, thanks to God, we were much sharper in attack than in recent games.'

Osasuna, meanwhile, were surprisingly crashing at home to midtable Getafe, for whom Veljko Paunovic scored twice.

'We cannot afford to be so generous in defence,' moaned Osasuna captain Francisco Punal, 'if we wish to snatch a place in the Champions League.'

Sevilla remain in fifth place, four points behind Osasuna, after losing a stormy Seville derby 2-1 to Betis. The tense win lifts Betis well above the relegation zone.

Athletic Bilbao are in a similar situation to Betis after playing out a 0-0 draw away to Alaves. The same can be said of Espanyol, who forced a goalless tie away to Mallorca.

This draw leaves Mallorca fourth from bottom with 32 points, just one point above Real Sociedad, who Saturday thrashed bottom team Malaga 3-0.