MADRID, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- David Beckham was sent off in the final minute as Real Madrid was held to 0-0 draw at home by Real Betis in the Primeria Liga on Saturday.

    The former England captain, making his 150th appearance for the club, received a march order for a late challenge on Isidoro.

    In Beckham's soccer career, it is his eighth dismissal and his fifth with Real Madrid.

    After the draw, Madrid, who had only one goal in four home league matches, remain third with 42 points, one behind second-placed Sevilla who host Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

    Leaders Barcelona, on 46 points, visit fourth-placed Valencia on Sunday.

    In Saturday's late game, sixth-placed Real Zaragoza defeated Villarrael 1-0 thanks to a goal from Diego Milito.

    In the game, Beckham's most important contribution was when he provided the service for Ruud Van Nistelrooy but the Dutchman couldn't get over the ball and sent his half-volley against the bar after 64 minutes.

    Three minutes later it was the turn of Betis to hit the woodwork when defender Nano Rivas struck the post.

    Madrid were also given another big let off after 75 minutes when a shot by Betis' Fabrice Pancrate evaded the outstretched arms of Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas but his shot just missed its target.

    The Frenchman's near-miss was the signal for the first white hankerchieves, the traditional sign of discontent at Spanish football matches, to start being waved by Real's supporters.

    By the whistle, the Real fans were once again loudly calling for the head of Capello and Madrid president Ramon Calderon.