In the 20' minute Amorebeita was red carded by referee Muñiz Fernández as he handballed a shot by Gonzalo Higauin inside the Atletico Bilbao goal area. An extremely harsh decision. A very upset Joaquin Caparros, Bilabo's manager vociferously protested the decision and was sent off by Fernandez.
It broke the stalemate as Cristiano Ronaldo converted the spot kick. In the 40' minute Francisco Yeste controlling the ball entirely with his left foot took on the Real defense and fired in a shot from the top of the box that left Casillas with no answer.
Both teams entered the second half tied and it remained so till the 72nd minute when Higuain nodded a ball past Moreno from a Xabi Alonso corner. The floodgates opened as Sergio Ramos with a solo run and a bit of luck scored the third goal. Karim Benzema executed superbly from Kaka's approach work. Marcelo completed the tally as a defensive error left him with an open goal and the easiest of tasks.
Real are still in the race by a fingernail if on the remote chance Valladolid beat Barca at Camp Nou. But first they have to overcome Malaga who will also be fighting to stave of relegation.
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