Late Ozil goal earns Real draw against Dortmund
Submitted by Keval Sharma on Wed, 11/07/2012 - 08:58.
Madrid, Nov 7 - A free kick from Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil in the last minute of normal time gave his side a vital 2-2 draw at home to Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League football game in the Santiago Bernabeu.
That draw, plus Manchester City's 2-2 draw at home to Ajax Tuesday, keeps Real Madrid behind Borussia in their qualifying group, but retains their advantage over the English side, who they will visit in their next European tie, reports Xinhua.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho made one change to the side that defeated Zaragoza 4-0 at the weekend with Xabi Alonso replacing Michael Essien in the home side's midfield.
With Karim Benzema out though injury, Gonzalo Higuain continued in attack partnering Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel De Maria.
As usual in their home ground Madrid started strongly with Gonzalo Higuain and Luka Modric both going close, before Borussia showed their quality thanks to left back Marcel Schmelzer.
It was a warning Madrid didn't heed, because on 28 minutes Marcelo Rues took advantage of space down the Madrid left to flash a shot past Iker Casillas in the Madrid goal.
The scores were level soon afterwards as Pepe powered a powerful header into the back of the visitors' net from a Mesut Ozil cross from the left.
There were still 11 minutes left in a vibrant first half between two powerful and fast sides, but it was Borussia who retook the lead in the last minute of normal time as the Madrid defence totally failed to deal with a long ball from the keeper and Mario Goetze again beat Iker Casillas with the ball touching Alvaro Arbeloa on its way into the back of the net.
Mourinho made two changes at the break bringing on Essien and Javier Callejon for Modric and Higuain, who had suffered a muscle injury.
Madrid got the goal they deserved in the 90th minute when Ozil scored a free kick. (IANS)
Rio de Janeiro, May 18 : Santos coach Muricy Ramalho has admitted concern at mounting speculation linking his star striker Neymar with a move to Barcelona. 
Rio de Janeiro, May 18 : Former Real Madrid and Brazil international forward Julio Baptista revealed that he is considering a return to Brazilian football. 
Melbourne, May 18 : Cricket Australia (CA) is investigating a Twitter rant by cricketer David Warner, who launched a scathing attack on reputed Australian cricket writers Robert Craddock and Malcolm Conn. 
Hyderabad, May 18 : On a high after a comprehensive win against Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad will looking to ensure their place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) play-offs when they take on Kolkatta Knight Riders here Sunday. 
Mumbai, May 15 : India's only motorcycle Grand Prix team resumes battle in France this weekend with high hopes of strong results after a top-10 start for the all-new Mahindra Grand Prix machine. 
Dijon-Prenois (France), May 13 : Indian racing driver Sailesh Bolisetti's second weekend of his 2013 Euro Race Car campaign ended on a disappointing note as he finished 18th and 17th in the two races here.