Real struggle past 10-man Gimnastic to go third

MADRID, Mar 18 (Reuters) Real Madrid made hard work of beating second-bottom Gimnastic 2-0 at home despite playing 85 minutes against 10 men in the Primera Liga TOday.

The visitors had defender Cesar Navas sent off at the start but denied Real until substitute Robinho scored early in the second half. Raul's header deflected off Nastic's David Garcia near the end to secure the win.

Real climbed to third on 48 points, five adrift of leaders Barcelona, who thumped Recreativo Huelva 4-0 away yesteruday.

Second-placed Sevilla have 50 points and host Celta Vigo in today's late game.

Valencia slip to fourth on 47 after their title challenge was dented with a 2-0 home defeat by Racing Santander yesterday.

Diego Milito's first-half goal was enough to give fifth-placed Real Zaragoza a 1-0 home win over Atletico Madrid.

The Argentine striker outstripped the Atletico defence in the 20th minute to score his 18th goal of the season in an evenly fought clash with a direct rival.

Zaragoza have 46 points, three ahead of Atletico who remain sixth on 43.

Ten-man Deportivo Coruna beat Getafe 1-0 at home thanks to an impressive late strike from defender Antonio Barragan, while Villarreal and Real Sociedad, and Espanyol and Levante both drew 1-1.

REUTERS PDS PM0119