Racing dent Real's title hopes with comeback win

MADRID, Apr 14 (Reuters) Real Madrid slumped to their first defeat in nine matches after Racing Santander came from a goal down to win 2-1 with two controversial second-half penalties from defender Ezequiel Garay today.

Visiting Real looked as though they might take their chance to move top of the table when captain Raul netted 12 minutes before the break after a mistake by Garay.

But the Argentine atoned for his error midway through the second half when he fired home a penalty after Lionel Scaloni appeared to dive in the area.

Real lost centre back Ivan Helguera two minutes from time after he picked up a second booking for a high challenge on Racing forward Pedro Munitis.

A minute later Garay fired home another fiercely disputed penalty after Fabio Cannavaro laid a hand on striker Nikola Zigic as they challenged for the ball.

Real ended the game with nine men when substitute Alvaro Mejia was given a straight red card for a mistimed challenge on Munitis.

The defeat meant Real remained third in the table, a point behind Sevilla and two adrift of leaders Barcelona who both play on Sunday.

REUTERS PDS PM0217