Soccer: Real win re-ignites title hopes

Real Madrid barged their way back into the Spanish title race yesterday as goals from Fernando Morientes and Luis Figo earned them a 2-0 victory in a bruising clash with Barcelona.

Real struck with their only clear chance of the first half when Morientes headed home a far-post header from Raul after 24 minutes.

The European champions then pegged the Catalans back with some committed defence.

As Barcelona desperately chased an equaliser, Raul and Claude Makelele broke swiftly to set up Figo to score against his former club.

Real's win re-ignited their Spanish title defence, dragging them up from 15th at the start of play to seventh.

It also strengthened Deportivo Coruna's lead at the top. Javier Irureta's side, who scored four times in 20 minutes on their way to a 5-1 win at home to Osasuna, lead the standings with 23 points from 11 games.

Valencia, the only unbeaten side in the first division, are two points back in second spot after a 2-1 win at home to Rayo Vallecano, with Barcelona third on 19 points.

Real, now seven points behind Deportivo but just three shy of Barcelona, made a nervous start.

They struggled to keep possession early on in front of a 75,000 full house, allowing Barcelona to do most of the attacking. But the home side gradually took control.

In France, 10-man Lille slumped to their first defeat for more than six months in the first division when they lost 4-2 at Olympique Lyon.

Lille, who were the last unbeaten team in the top flight this season, had not lost since April 29 when they were beaten 2-1 at home by the same opponents.

The loss of defender Sylvain N'Diaye, who was sent off after 42 minutes for a second booking, was more than the northerners could handle and a Sidney Govou double finally sank them.

Lyon took the lead when Govou volleyed home a fine cross from Christophe Lamotte in the 28th minute.

But Lille reacted immediately as they forced Jeremie Brechet, under pressure from a Bruno Cheyrou cross, to head into his own net.

Lille then went 2-1 up through Moroccan defender Abdelilah Fahmi in the 40th minute, but his header was followed by N'Diaye's dismissal.

Lyon stepped up the pressure and were rewarded shortly before the break when Lille defender Stephane Pichot deflected an Eric Carrier shot into his own goal.

Lille fought bravely in the second half until Govou struck again with a far-post shot in the 76th minute.

Despite their habit this season of forcing draws in injury time, Lille had to accept defeat when Philippe Violeau added a fourth in the final minute.

Lille, who had a chance to take over top spot had they won, remain in second place on 26 points, two behind Lens who were held to a goalless draw by Bordeaux.

In Portugal, Porto went to the top of the premier league when they hit back to beat Uniao Leiria 2-1 at home.

Porto lead the table on goal difference from champions Boavista, both sides having 22 points.

Boavista are at home to lowly Pacos Ferreira tomorrow.

Uniao Leiria went ahead in the 26th minute when winger Silas Fernandes scored from 25m.

Brazilian striker Jesus Pena equalised in the 55th minute after a mix-up in Leiria's defence.

Porto got the winner in the 72nd minute from a 30m free kick by Brazilian Deco Sousa.

Benfica, held to a goalless draw at home to Vitoria Guimaraes, dropped to third place, one point behind Porto and Boavista.

In the Italian Serie A, leaders Chievo were held 0-0 at bottom-placed Venezia. Chievo have 20 points, two more than Inter Milan who won 2-0 at home to Lecce. Bologna are a further point behind in third.

- AGENCIES