Beckham scores in Spanish league return


February 10, 2007



MADRID, Spain (AP) -- David Beckham scored on his trademark bending free kick in his first start since Dec. 20, helping Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 2-1 Saturday in the Spanish league.
The star midfielder, who is bound for the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer, tied the score in the 37th minute with a low shot from outside the penalty area that beat diving goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.


Beckham's goal at Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian may have saved Madrid coach Fabio Capello's job. The Italian coach, who had said that the former England captain would never again play for the Spanish power, reportedly would have been fired if his team had lost again.
Beckham received a yellow card in the 75th minute for a late challenge on Sociedad forward Savio Bortolini.

Beckham displeased Capello by announcing on Jan. 11 that he would leave for the Galaxy when his contract expires in June.
"I picked him because he has been good in training for three weeks," Capello said. "I'm pleased he scored with a free kick because he hasn't scored many this season. He played really well."
Ruud van Nistelrooy headed in Madrid's winning goal in the 48th minute when he beat Bravo to Miguel Torres' cross from the left. The victory ended a run of two straight defeats.
Sociedad took the lead in the eighth minute after a mistake by Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas allowed Mikel Aranburu to head the ball into the net.
In Saturday's late game, Sevilla drew 0-0 at crosstown rival Real Betis and climbed into a share of the league lead on points with FC Barcelona, which hosts Racing Santander on Sunday.
Defending champion Barcelona has 43 points, ahead of Sevilla on goal difference. Madrid rose to third place with 41 points.


taken from yahoo sport