Barcelona drew 0-0 away to Valenciaon Saturday night to remain leaders of the BBVA Primera Liga in Spain. The league leaders and reigning champions were on the back foot for most of the game, but held on for a draw thanks to a fine performance from goalkeeper Victor Valdes.
Valdes made four brilliant saves to deny Valencia forwards David Silva, Juan Mata and Pablo Hernandez as the home side produced a spirited and aggressive performance.
Valencia will argue that had David Villa been fit, they could have won the match, but Barcelona was also missing key players Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovich, while Leo Messi and Xavi Hernandez both looked visibly tired after the past week's international matches.
In the end Barcelona will view the result as a point gained rather than two points dropped even if the result stopped the club from winning its seventh game of the season.
Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain celebrates his goal during their Spanish First Division soccer match against Valladolid at Santiago Bernabeu stadium October 17, 2009.
Meanwhile Real Madrid returned to within one point of the top of the table after beating Valladolid 4-2 in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Real Madrid was without Cristiano Ronaldo, who aggravated an ankle injury playing for Portugal last weekend, while Kaka was rested after playing for World Cup qualifying matches for Brazil.
The game kicked off after Madrid captain Raul Gonzalez received a plaque from club President Florentino Perez for becoming the Madrid player who has made the most official appearances for the club.
Valladolid's Marcos (holding ball) celebrates his goal with teammates during their Spanish First Division soccer match against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu stadium October 17, 2009.
Today's was his game 711 wearing the famous white shirt and it was to be Raul's night as he scored after 13 and 17 minutes. Madrid looked to be cruising, but Nauzet Aleman narrowed the lead with a magnificent free kick that left Iker Casillas helpless, before Marcelo made it 3-1 on the stroke of half time with a stunning right foot shot.
Real Madrid's Raul Gonzalez celebrates his goal with teammate Esteban Granero (R) during their Spanish First Division soccer match against Valladolid at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid October 17, 2009
Valladolid was the better team in the second period and again looked capable of leveling the match after Marquitos scored with the outside of his foot. However, substitute Gonzalo Higuain made it 4-2 to Madrid with a lovely chip with just 11 minutes left in the game.
Earlier in the day Sevilla, who had defeated Real Madrid two weeks ago, lost 1-0 away to Deportivo la Coruna.
Juan Rodriguez scored the only goal of the game after 38 minutes with a powerful shot and although Alvaro Negredo twice went close for the visitors, Sevilla couldn't find the equalizer.
The result leaves Deportivo level on with Sevilla with 15 points from seven games.