• La Liga

Mourinho's nine-year unbeaten run ends

ESPNsoccernet staff
April 2, 2011
There was no Cristiano Ronaldo as Real Madrid succumbed to defeat © PA Photos
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Jose Mourinho suffered his first home defeat as a coach since February 23, 2002 as Real Madrid fell 1-0 to Sporting Gijon thanks to Miguel de las Cuevas' strike.

De Las Cuevas broke free on the edge of the area and fired in a right footed shot off the post for the winner, as the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso showed as Madrid struggled to create chances.

Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain returned to the pitch for the first time since last November as a second-half substitute but could not spark his team's attack.

Real had won all 23 home games this season, and Mourinho's was a record that had lasted for 150 games, but now Real have handed Barcelona the advantage in the La Liga title race.

Tottenham Hotspur, who drew 0-0 at Wigan on Saturday, travel to the Bernabeu for a Champions League clash in midweek.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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