Real Madrid 2 - Celta 3

Madrid: Casillas; Michel Salgado, Iván Helguera, Pavón (Sergio Ramos 46'), Roberto Carlos; Beckham (Pablo García 80'), Gravesen (Raúl 68'); Guti, Baptista; Robinho, Ronaldo. 4-2-2-2.
Celta: Pinto; Angel, Sergio, Contreras, Placente; Iriney, Borja Oubiña; Antonio Nuñez (Jonathan 83'), Canobbio (David Silva 86'), Gustavo López; Fernando Baiano (Javi Guerrero 92'). 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Madrid: Guti, Robinho for Zidane, Raúl / Celta: Borja Oubiña for Giovanella.

Goals:
0-1. 08. Contreras. Following up after Baiano header came back off bar.
1-1. 36. Ronaldo (penalty). After Baptista pushed over by Placente in area.
2-1. 42. Baptista. Diving header on far post after Helguera crossed in.
2-2. 45. Antonio Nuñez. Headed back in after Casillas saved Canobbio penalty.
2-3. 77. Canobbio. Took Baiano pass and hit shot which bounced down off the bar.

Sensation at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, where Real Madrid lost 2-3 to newly promoted Celta thanks to a goal which didn't enter the net. With the scores tied at two all, a shot from Canobbio bounced down off the crossbar and away. But the linesman incorrectly informed referee Rodríguez Santiago that the ball had crossed the line and awarded the goal.

The Galicians had already surprised their hosts in the eighth minute when Contreras opened the scoring from close up after Baiano had headed against the bar following a corner, but Madrid came back, and Baptista and Ronaldo both put good chances wide. And ten minutes before the break Rodríguez awarded them a penalty after Baptista was pulled back, Ronaldo slotting home the spot kick.

Three minutes before the break Baptista threw himself forward to head a long cross from Helguera past Pinto, and the "Galacticos" seemed to be moving into top gear. But before the half time whistle the referee awarded a penalty at the other end after Pavón handled when jumping for a high ball, and although Casillas palmed away Canobbio's kick, Ex Madrid B winger Antonio Nuñez headed the ball back in to the net.

Pavon had to be taken to the clinic for checks on an injured hand at the interval, and Luxemburgo brought on Sergio Ramos for his debut. But neither side many inroads until Canobbio's goal which wasn't, and the referee further upset the home fans when he disallowed a goal by another of the debutants Robinho for the offside of Ronaldo, ruling that, although he didn't touch the ball (which under the new rules is ok), he did obstruct play.

There was still time for Casillas to save from Baiano on a rapid breakaway, and for Sergio Ramos to head a good chance over the bar. But the final whistle went soon afterwards, leaving Celta and not Madrid as the surprise leaders. Luxemburgo is now under pressure to get some good results, or he could follow in the footsteps of many managers before him. This type of slip up, referee mistake or not, will not be tolerated for long.