体坛英语新闻：Real's lead reduced to six points after draw with Villarreal

MADRID, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid saw their lead at the top of the BBVA Primera Liga reduced to just six points following a controversial game away to Villarreal on Wednesday night.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcos Senna scored the goals in a 1-1 draw that saw Real Madrid finish with nine men after Sergio Ramos and Mesut Ozil were sent off in the closing minutes.

Coach Jose Mourinho and his assistant Rui Faria were also sent off from the dugout for their complaints, although in fairness referee Parados Garcia should have given Villarreal two penalties in the first half.

Third placed Valencia were victims of a shock defeat at home to bottom of the table Zaragoza. Apono scored twice after Pablo Hernandez had scored an early goal for Valencia.

Zaragoza played most of the game with 10 men after Pablo Alvarez was sent off in the first half and ended with nine after Franco Zuculini saw a second yellow card late on.

Two goals from Radamal Falcao gave Atletico Madrid a 2-1 home win against Athletic Club Bilbao, who were without striker Fernando Llorente.

Javi Martinez scored a late consolation for Athletic.

Mallorca won 3-2 away to Sporting Gijon to complicate Sporting's future in the top flight. Alvaro Gimenez scored the winning goal for Mallorca in an end to end game in which Mallorca always held the advantage. Jose Nunes and an own goal by Sporting defender Pedro Orfila were responsible for Mallorca's other two goals.

Finally Levante's incredible season continued as they won 3-1 away to Real Sociedad. Jose Barkero, Aruna Kone and Xavi Torres scored the goals that keep Levante up in fourth place.

Tuesday night saw Leo Messi score a hat-trick as Barcelona defeated Granada 5-3, while Osasuna and Getafe drew 0-0 in El Sadar.

The round of matches finishes on Thursday when Betis entertain Espanyol, Racing Santander take on Sevilla and Malaga entertain Rayo Vallecano.