MADRID, Sept. 21-- League leaders Valencia and reigning champions FC Barcelona produced 90 minutes of thrilling football in the Mestalla Stadium. Barcelona were able to battle back from falling behind twice in the match to take a valuable point. Valencia took the lead thanks to an own goal from Eric Abidal early in the match, only for Pedro Rodriguez to equalize two minutes later. Pablo Hernandez restored Valencia's lead after 22 minutes as the game turned from end to end, but Cesc Fabrigas saved a point and Barcelona's unbeaten record 13 minutes from time when he equalized from a Leo Messi pass. Valencia's Jordi Alba (L) falls next to Barcelona's Pedro Rodriguez during their Spanish first division soccer match at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, September 21, 2011. Barcelona had chances to win the match in the closing minutes, but a defeat would have been harsh on a Valencia side that is well organized and hard working and for the moment at least offers an alternative to the Barca-Real Madrid duopoly. In contrast to Valencia and Barcelona, Real Madrid produced a horrible performance to only draw 0-0 away to Racing Santander. Coach Jose Mourinho made changes to his side with Sergio Ramos and Angel de Maria on the substitutes' bench, but his side never really looked like beating Racing and managed just two shots on target all game. Oscar Serrano had the best chance of the game for Racing with a shot well saved by Iker Casillas, while at the other end Tono, did well to tip over from De Maria, who came into the game as a second half substitute. |