Valencia rescue point

A superb individual goal from substitute Pablo Hernandez saved 10-man Valencia from defeat against Recreativo Huelva on Saturday although the 1-1 draw does little to aid their Champions League push.

Cash-strapped Valencia, who have collected seven points from the last 30, are now five points behind fourth-placed Villarreal who have played one game less.

Valencia fell behind to a Javier Camunas goal in the 54th minute and then had centre-back Carlos Marchena sent off for two bookable offences.

However, Hernandez netted an 82nd minute equaliser with a delightful chip to salvage a point at the Mestalla Stadium.

Valencia were again without key striker David Villa through a knee injury and they may have to get used to it with the Spanish international set to be auctioned off to the highest bidder to ease the club’s acute financial problems.

Villa’s agent has insisted that his client will be staying in Spain with the two powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid ready for a tug-of-war for his services.

Juan Mata had gone close for Valencia early on but screwed his shot wide.

The visitors had the best opening when Adrian Colunga hit the post with a curling shot on 17 minutes.

Recre were far from intimidated pushing forward in numbers and struck nine minutes into the second half.

A terrible defensive mix-up between goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez and his centre-backs allowed the alert Camunas to bundle the ball home to the dismay of the home fans.

Dominguez hit the crossbar for the hosts before Marchena was sent off on 73 minutes for a stupid second booking.

Down to ten men, Valencia had it all to do but Dominguez levelled racing clear of his man before lobbing home.

Real Madrid travel to Kings Cup finalists Athletic Bilbao later on Saturday aiming to forget their 4-0 Champions League drubbing by Liverpool and cut Barcelona’s lead at the top to three points.

The league is the only trophy still up for grabs for Real but San Mames is one of the most difficult grounds to visit in the Spanish top-flight.

French midfielder Lass Diarra admitted the Liverpool mauling had left its mark but backed the team to respond.

“It isn’t easy for great players to lose 4-0, but a great player should also know how to get over a big defeat,” explained Diarra.

“We have to do our best in the league starting at San Mames. I’ve been told it’s a special place, like a smaller Anfield.”

Barcelona are at Almeria on Sunday as the title run-in starts with 12 games left.

Barcelona swatted aside Lyon, French champions for the last seven seasons, in the Champions League in midweek to stay on course for the treble in Pep Guardiola’s first season in charge.

Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid do battle with Villarreal on Sunday as the race for the Champions League spots heats up.