David Beckham was sent off in extra time as Real Madrid were drawn 0-0 by Real Betis at the Bernabeu.

While his red card was widely reported, Beckham's standing ovation from the home supporters was not.

The former England captain played brilliantly on the wing as well as in central midfield, and he was provider on the few scoring opportunities Madrid created, as Robinho and substitute Raul struggled.

The Spanish giants had two gilt-edged chances in the second half, one of those when Beckham rolled a perfectly placed ball in the path of Ruud Van Nistelrooy who fired over the bar from point-blank range.

The second coming from another lovely Beckham cross, this time over the defense, that found Jose Antonio Reyes open on the far post. Having more time than he may have realized, Reyes rushed his shot and another chance went begging.

With a chance to do it on his own, Beckham came agonizingly close with a free kick that sailed just wide of the post as Madrid desperately searched for the winner.

In extra time, it appeared that Beckham might have been pushed down at the edge of the area. But when no foul was given, he lashed out, kicking rashly at the heels of his marker.

The straight red may have been a harsh, but there was little doubt of Beckham's intentions.

As he left the pitch, the Bernabeu faithful gave the previously out-of-favor Beckham a well-deserved standing ovation.

Just moments later, at the final whistle, supporters jeered the rest of the Real Madrid squad and staff off the pitch.

Madrid miss out on an opportunity to gain ground on La Liga leaders Barcelona. The draw keeps them third, four points back, with Barca at Valencia later today.

Real Madrid face Bayern Munich Tuesday in the Champions League.

More from other web sites (in a new window):
SHOULD I PICK BECKS? - Mac's amazing phone poll of England stars - Exclusive by Paul Smith - sundaymirror.co.uk
Madrid coach defends Beckham after red card - Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:19 PM By Mark Elkington - reuters.co.uk

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