Valencia frustrate 10-man Real
AFP
AFP, VALENCIA (SPAIN): Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez endured an unhappy return to Mestalla as Gary Nevilles Valencia twice came from behind to salvage a point in a pulsating 2-2 draw on Sunday.
Benitez needed a win amid doubts about his future at the club and Madrid had got off to a flying start thanks to a brilliant team goal finished off by Karim Benzema.
However, Valencia levelled through Dani Parejos penalty just before half-time and the visitors were left to play the final 20 minutes with 10 men as Mateo Kovacic was shown a straight red card.
Gareth Bales brilliant header restored Madrids lead for barely a minute before Paco Alcacer rescued a point for Valencia eight minutes from time.
A draw leaves Neville still looking for his first La Liga win in four games since taking charge of Valencia last month.
Madrid, meanwhile, are now four points adrift of leaders Atletico Madrid and two behind Barcelona having also played a game more than the European champions.
Benitez has been publicly backed by Madrid president Florentino Perez, but media reports in recent weeks have suggested French legend and the clubs reserve team coach Zinedine Zidane could be promoted to the top job at the Bernabeu if results dont improve.
I cant avoid other people speculating. All I can do is ensure the team works like it did today, said Benitez.
Neville, meanwhile, recognised his side need to start winning soon to have any chance of making the Champions League next season.
Colombian star James Rodriguez was dropped to the bench by Benitez days after he was pursued by the police to the clubs training ground accused of speeding at up to 200 kilometres per hour.
But in contrast to his recent receptions at the Santiago Bernabeu, Benitez was given a heros welcome on his return to the Mestalla after guiding Valencia to two La Liga titles in three years over a decade ago.
And Benitez couldnt have wished for a better start as Benzema was fed by a lovely interchange of passes between Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo to slot home his 16th goal in 17 appearances this season.
However, in keeping with many games this season, Benitezs men failed to maintain their early intensity and allowed Valencia to take control as the first half progressed.
Madrid had been awarded three controversial penalties in their last two matches, but were left feeling hard done by just before the break when Bale thought he had been chopped down inside the area.
Valencia immediately broke up the other end and were awarded a spot-kick when Pepe dived in on Andre Gomes and former Madrid midfielder Parejo converted the resulting penalty.
Madrid were left with a mountain to climb 20 minutes from time when Kovacic recklessly took out Cancelo and was shown a straight red card.
Despite their numerical disadvantage Bales brilliant looping header from Toni Krooss free-kick put the visitors back in the driving seat.
Yet, they again couldnt defend a lead as 60 seconds later Alcacer headed home from Rodrigos knockdown to preserve Valencias unbeaten home record in La Liga stretching back to November 2014.
And it should have been even better for Valencia as Alvaro Negredo failed to beat Navas when clean through on goal in stoppage time.
Nevilles men are now 13 points off the top four, though, as Villarreal strengthened their grip on the final Champions League place when Bruno Sorianos penalty deep into stoppage time handed them a 2-1 win at Deportivo la Coruna.
