Real Madrid stuttering as Man United clash looms
MADRID, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Real Madrid's domestic struggles are increasingly becoming a cause for concern in the Spanish capital with the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash against Premier League leaders Manchester United looming.
Missing suspended top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho's side were held to a 0-0 draw at lowly Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday and looked a shadow of the team that romped to the title last season.
They had only one shot on target at Osasuna's Reyno de Navarra stadium in Pamplona, their worst record in a La Liga game under Mourinho, and the result left them languishing in third. Unbeaten leaders Barcelona can go 18 points clear of their great rivals with a win at Malaga on Sunday.
Real's Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain toiled ineffectively
Missing suspended top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho's side were held to a 0-0 draw at lowly Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday and looked a shadow of the team that romped to the title last season
before being hauled off in the second half and even the introduction of Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil and France striker Karim Benze- ma failed to inspire the ninetimes European champions.
Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, a high-profile signing from Tottenham Hotspur in the close season, was largely anonymous, while little-used Brazil playmaker Kaka had a night to forget when he received two yellow cards in quick succession after coming off the bench and was sent off.