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.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho offered no excuses after his team slumped to a 1-0 Primera Division loss at relegation-threatened Granada on Friday.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s first-half own goal ensured new Granada boss Lucas Alcaraz enjoyed a dream first game in charge.

“I think the result is fair,” admitted Mourinho. “They defended in the second half with all of their heart and soul.

“We should have scored a goal but because of the great effort that Granada made, I think that the three points have gone to the team that deserved them.”

Second-placed Atletico Madrid bounced back to form as they beat Real Betis 1-0 thanks to Diego Costa’s close-range header just after the hour mark last night.