Spanish league: New Valencia frustrate Barcelona

Madrid: New Valencia coach Gary Neville watched on from the stands as Santi Mina’s late equaliser handed his side a shock 1-1 draw at home to European champions Barcelona.

 

Luis Suarez had put the visitors into a controversial lead as he appeared to be offside before slotting in at the near post, but Valencia’s work rate was rewarded when Mina fired into the top corner five minutes from time.

 

Real Madrid are now just four points behind Barca as they bounced back from their embarrassing elimination from the Copa del Rey for fielding an ineligible player in midweek with Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo all on target in their 4-1 thrashing of Getafe.

 

However, Real remain third, two points behind Atletico Madrid, after goals from Diego Godin and Antoine Griezmann handed Diego Simeone’s men a 2-0 win at Granada.

 

Neville doesn’t officially take charge until Sunday, leaving Valencia in the hands of caretaker boss Voro and his brother Phil Neville and the depleted hosts put up a brave fight against the superior quality of the European champions. “There is nothing to reproach the team for. We weren’t rewarded for all the effort but defensively Valencia played well.” Enrique said.