Real Madrid held 1-1 at home by Real Sociedad

MADRID, Apr 8 (Reuters) Real Madrid failed to keep the pressure on Primera Liga leaders Barcelona as they were held to a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu by relegation-threatened Real Sociedad today.

Brazil striker Ronaldo scored his fourth goal in as many games in the first half to put Real in front, but Sociedad's impressive Mark Gonzalez pounced on an error by goalkeeper Iker Casillas to equalise after the break as the home side faltered.

Real closed to within 10 points of Barcelona, who visit Racing Santander tomorrow. Valencia, who are three points behind Real in third, play at Celta Vigo later today.

Sociedad's point put them level on 32 with Real Mallorca and Alaves, who both play tomorow, but they remain in 18th place.

The bottom two, Cadiz and Malaga, were earlier pushed closer to relegation after late goals denied them points.

Cadiz, 19th on 28 points, were close to victory against regional rivals Betis after Argentine striker Lucas Lobos scored a penalty, but with a minute remaining Betis equalised when Joaquin got his head to Marcos Assuncao's free kick.

Getafe's Veljko Paunovic scored both goals for the visitors as they beat Malaga 2-1 away, to leave the Andalucians bottom with 23 points.

The bottom three are relegated at the end of the season.

Reuters OM VP0255