Deportivo and Real Madrid fight out 0-0 draw

Deportivo Coruna and Real Madrid fought out a goalless draw at a rain-soaked Riazor on Saturday to leave both sides well off the pace in the Spanish first division.

Real striker Ronaldo was given a clear run on goal from a long ball over the top on 13 minutes but the Brazilian's control let him down and Depor keeper Juanmi was able to gather.

Otherwise there was little first-half action, although Depor midfielder Victor did hit a free kick against the bar on 26 minutes as Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas misjudged the flight.

After the break, Roy Makaay went close with a turn and shot on the left of the area and in the dying seconds Roberto Carlos forced a diving save from Juanmi but in general the driving rain got the better of the attacking intentions of both sides.

Real could point to an improvement on their recent form but they now have just one win to show from their last eight games in domestic and European matches.

Saturday's draw saw them slip to fifth place in the league table with 13 points from eight games and they could find themselves seven points behind Real Sociedad if the leaders win away to Villarreal on Sunday.

Deportivo, the 2000 champions, are also on 13 points, a place behind Real on goal difference.

Real Mallorca moved up to second spot as a Walter Pandiani hat-trick earned them a 3-1 win at Valladolid -- a fifth successive league victory for the islanders.

Real Sociedad lead the standings on 17 points, followed by Mallorca on 15 and Valencia and Celta Vigo a point further back.

Valencia are away to Espanyol on Sunday, while Celta Vigo travel to face Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona, in eighth place on 11 points, can climb ahead of Real Madrid and Deportivo Coruna if they win away to Racing Santander on Sunday.