Hero Casillas saves Real's blushes
MADRID, Spain -- Goalkeeper Iker Casillas was Real Madrid's hero on Wednesday - helping his depleted side to a 1-1 draw at Division Two Eibar in the third round of the Spanish Cup.
The Spain keeper, in the best form of his career at the age of 22, pulled off a string of vital saves to prevent Real from being beaten in the little Basque industrial town.
The draw means that Eibar now need to win next Tuesday's return leg in Madrid - something that no Spanish or European team has managed to do since May.
Real coach Carlos Quieroz fielded a team with many reserves, in order to give "Galacticos" such as Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane a rest.
Eternal sub Guti gave Real the lead on the half hour, only for little Roberto Cuevas to head Eibar level just before the break.
Eibar dominated the second half but failed to put a second goal past superlative Casillas, who needed help from his crossbar right at the end.
Valencia, meanwhile, were held to 2-2 dhome raw by spirited Osasuna, after taking what looked like a decisive 2-0 lead.
Miguel Angel Angulo gave Valencia an early lead, but the hosts lost their rhythm when Spain defender Curro Torres was foolishly sent off before the interval.
Even so, Ruben Baraja made it 2-0 from the penalty spot just after the restart. Osasuna finally came out of their shell, taking advantage of their numerical superiority, and Pierre Webo made it 2-1 from close range.
Two minutes from time Australian sub John Aloisi earned Osasuna a valuable draw with a fierce drive from the edge of the area.
In Wednesday's other first leg clashes Zaragoza beat troubled Betis 3-1 at home, Valladolid battled out a 0-0 draw away to Alaves and Celta Vigo won 1-0 away to Malaga - a result which buys a little more time for embattled coach Miguel Ange Lotina.
