Zaragoza 1 - 1 Racing de Santander: Zaragoza winning streak ended

Posted Saturday, February 05, 2011 by PA

Real Zaragoza's three-game winning Primera Division run came to an end but Said Boutahar at least grabbed his side a point with an equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Racing Santander.

Christian had opened the scoring for the visitors in the 14th minute as they sought only their second away win in the league this term.

But Boutahar levelled matters five minutes before half-time and neither side could force a winner after the break, leaving both teams too close to the drop zone for comfort.

Four wins in their previous five matches had boosted the morale of Javier Aguirre's Zaragoza heading into the game, but proceedings were barely under way at La Romareda when the home fans were stunned.

Christian met Kennedy Bakircioglu's cross and directed his header into the bottom corner to give Racing the lead.

Ander Herrera, Gabi and Boutahar were all off target in their attempts from distance, but the hosts did get back on level terms five minutes before the break when Boutahar slotted into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

Boutahar almost bagged a second before half-time but his header was cleared by Medhi Lacen.

Racing goalkeeper Antonio Tono was called into action four minutes after the restart, keeping out Braulio's curling effort with his feet.

Javier Paredes then powered a header wide and Braulio also lashed wide as Zaragoza looked to get their noses in front.

Racing were restricted to long-range attempts from Adrian Gonzalez and Ariel Nahuelpan, neither of which seriously tested Leo Franco in the Zaragoza goal.

Franco was made to work a little harder 14 minutes from time, parrying a Henrique header from Manuel Arana's free-kick.

Tono also had to be alert at the other end in the 88th minute to keep out a Florent Sinama Pongolle shot.

Jiri Jarosik had the game's final chance in stoppage time, but the Zaragoza midfielder could only send his header over the bar from Javier Paredes' corner.