Murcia holds Madrid to 0-0 draw in Copa del Rey

Third-tier Murcia held Spanish leader Real Madrid to an embarrassing 0-0 draw Tuesday as topflight clubs entered the fourth round of the Copa del Rey.

Murcia goalkeeper Dani Hernandez made second-half saves to deny Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Leon and substitute Angel Di Maria to keep Madrid from taking the lead in the first leg match.

Madrid controlled the game at the Nueva Condomina stadium as it was determined not to repeat last year's 4-0 first leg defeat to minnow Alcorcon at the same stage. Third-tier clubs have eliminated Madrid in the fourth round the past two seasons.

Madrid, a 17-time winner of the domestic cup competition, hasn't won it since 1993. Record 25-time champion Barcelona played at Ceuta later.

Murcia is coached by the same Inaki Alonso who guided lower-tier Real Union to a win over Madrid two seasons ago. Alonso's team had no real scoring opportunities but held firm in defense as Madrid controlled possession and the chances, starting Ronaldo's testing shot in the seventh minute.

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The troubled Toffees

Everton desperately need a turnaround in fortunes but the Red Devils could add to their woe on Saturday.

EVERTON fans may be accustomed to slow starts but this season is proving to be a perplexing one.

An abysmal haul of one point in three games has left many Toffees scratching their heads and the bad news is that no one seems to know what is going wrong – David Moyes included.

Wishful thinking: Everton manager David Moyes aiming to get their season on track this weekend.

Occupying 18th spot in the BPL table, Everton surprisingly find themselves amongst the likes of Stoke City and West Ham, instead of turning the screw on their cross-town rivals and the other big boys.

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