Slumping Real Madrid lose to Racing Santander

Real Madrid slumped to their sixth defeat of the season on Wednesday when they lost at home to Racing Santander 2-1 in the Spanish League.

Two first-half goals from Ayoze Diaz and Felipe Melo gave Santander a shocking lead before Ronaldo scored a consolation goal for Real after the hour mark.

The defeat placed Real fifth on 29 points, 11 adrift of leaders and holders Barcelona who eased 2-0 past Celta Vigo on Tuesday.

Diaz put the visitors in front in the 21st minute when he stepped up to deliver a delicate free-kick that sailed over the wall and into the back of the net.

Six minutes later, Melo doubled the lead when he nipped between Real defenders to control Antonito's through pass and slip the ball past the advancing Real keeper Iker Casillas.

In the 64th minute, Ronaldo pulled one back for Real when he bounced on a loose ball from Roberto Carlos long throw to guide a superb finish into the far post.

In other matches, Real Betis crushed Deportivo Alaves 3-0, Real Zaragoza edged Athletic Bilbao 3-2, Espanyol downed Deportivo Coruna 2-1, Getafe beat Sevilla 1-0, Malaga held Villarreal to a goalless draw and Valencia thrashed Real Mallorca 3-0.