It all appeared to be going to plan for Bernd Schuster's side when Robinho put them ahead after nine minutes but that was as good as it got for the Primera Liga leaders.

Enrique De Lucas equalised after 49 minutes for Murcia, who then bossed the remainder of the second half but could not complete a memorable victory.

Madrid, who will relinquish top spot on Sunday if Villarreal beat Almeria, finished with 10 men after Guti was dismissed for lashing out at Cesar Arzo with seven minutes to go.

Murcia started well, letting the aristocrats from the capital know that this was going to be no easy fixture with a series of firm challenges in midfield.

The hosts also created the first chance of the evening when Abel Gomez found space on the left-side of the area.

The midfielder had time to bring the ball down but instead opted to fire in a first-time volley which flashed wide of Iker Casillas' upright.

Madrid gradually began to find their rhythm with Guti and Fernando Gago establishing a grip on midfield.

And it was no surprise that the two combined to create Madrid's opener.

Gago's clever chip into the area was perfect for Guti, and his volleyed cross picked out Robinho at the far post with the Brazilian nodding past Antonio Notario although the keeper may feel he ought to have done better having got a hand to the ball.

Murcia never looked as though they would find an equaliser in the first half.

Fernando Baiano had their only half-chance with a left-footed drive which Casillas pushed wide of the upright.

Parity was restored within five minutes of the restart, however.

With Madrid central defender Fabio Cannavaro off the field receiving treatment for an injury, Murcia took full advantage of their numerical supremacy.

Gomez whipped over an outswinging corner from the right and De Lucas shrugged off his marker before powering a diving header past Casillas from 15 yards.

Murcia tails were up and only a fine save from Spain international Casillas prevented Jose Movilla from putting the hosts in front with a blistering 30-yard drive.

Madrid were stunned by conceding and Murcia created another excellent chance just short of the hour mark when a neat move culminated in a De Lucas cross to the far post which Ricardo Richi should have converted.

Murcia's hand was strengthened further after 83 minutes when Guti, after being fouled by Richi, lashed out foolishly at Arzo and earned himself a red card.

Abel saw a shot tipped over by Casillas before Murcia wasted their best chance in injury time.

A neat one-two between substitute Henok Goitom and Movilla resulted in the former bursting clean through but his shot past Casillas lacked conviction and drifted wide.