Valdes heroics rescue Barca

Barcelona were indebted to goalkeeper Victor Valdes for producing two super saves to secure a 1-1 draw from a tough assignment against Valencia at the Mestalla last night.

Ever Banega opened the scoring with the first shot of the match after 33 minutes, but Valencia’s lead lasted just five minutes as Lionel Messi fired home from the penalty spot.

Valencia came closest to winning the match but Valdes produced two saves out of the top drawer to first deny Sergio Canales and then the dangerous Roberto Soldado.