Raul returns against Alaves after injury

Real Madrid captain Raul returned to action against Alaves in the Primera Liga yesterday, after a three-month injury layoff. The Spain striker came on as a substitute for Julio Baptista in the 66th minute to a standing ovation at the Bernabeu. Real won...

Real Madrid captain Raul returned to action against Alaves in the Primera Liga yesterday, after a three-month injury layoff. The Spain striker came on as a substitute for Julio Baptista in the 66th minute to a standing ovation at the Bernabeu. Real won the match 3-0.

Raul's return is a major boost for Real ahead of Tuesday's Champions League knockout tie against Arsenal and means he is on course to lead Spain at the World Cup in Germany. He suffered a partial tear of the cruciate ligament and damaged the cartilage in his left knee when he miscued a shot during Real's 3-0 defeat by Barcelona on Nov. 19.

Other result: Villarreal vs Espanyol 4-0.

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