- Sergio Ramos sees red for the 19th time in La Liga as Real Madrid are held to a goalless draw against Athletic Bilbao
- Ronaldo again failed to find the back of the net despite featuring for 90 minutes
- Madrid drop to fifth following the draw and are now eight points behind table toppers Barcelona
Cristiano Ronaldo's scoring problem seems to have become a big issue for Real Madrid as Los Blancos were held to a goalless draw against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, December 2.
Ronaldo who has scored just two league goals this season, was again far from his best as Madrid recorded their second goalless draw this season, after the 0-0 draw in the Madrid derby.
Real Madrid started the game well and were almost in front after nine minutes. Isco's cross found Karim Benzema in the box but the French striker slammed the ball off the post.
Just like his strike partner Ronaldo, Benzema has only scored two league goals all season.
At the other end, Keylor Navas denied Bilbao's legend Aritz Aduriz from point blank range as both teams struggled to create any meaningful chance in the first 45 minutes.
At the start of the second half, Aritz Aduriz picked up from where he stopped but his effort from 20 yards was well saved by Navas in goal for Madrid.
READ ALSO: Messi ends 7 games goal drought in Barcelona 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo
Cristiano Ronaldo first real chance came in the 72nd minute of play. The Portuguese brought down the ball up on the edge of the area with his chest, before hitting a volley which clipped the outside of the post.
Ronaldo in action. Photo: @RealMadrid
There was however time for a late drama as Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos was sent off for the 24th time in his career.
The 31-year-old was shown a second yellow in the 87th minute, which was followed with a red card for catching Aritz Aduriz with his arm.
The red card was 19th in the La Liga - a record in the Spanish top flight league.
PAY ATTENTION: Get the LATEST News on Naij.com App
On a night Madrid needed to win to close the gap at the top of table, Ronaldo could do nothing really for his team as his poor run in front of goal continues.
The 32-year-old is having one of his worst La Liga seasons with Real Madrid as he has found the back of the net just twice in the league this season, as against the 42 goals in 46 appearances last season.
Zinedine Zidane's men are now fifth on the table following the goalless draw as Atletico Madrid and Sevilla move to third and fourth respectively.
Madrid who have collected 28 points from 14 games are also eight points behind Barcelona who are table toppers and have secured 36 points from 14 games.
Who will win the Champions League? on NAIJ.com TV
Source: Sports.naija.ng
ROSY CREST
Saturday, 2 December 2017