La Liga leaders Valencia and current champions FC Barcelona produced 90 minutes of excellent football at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia.
Barcelona had to battle back from falling behind twice in the match to come away with a precious point.
Eric Abidal scored an own goal early in the match to give Valencia the lead, only for Pedro to equalize two minutes later.
Pablo Hernandez restored Valencia’s lead after 22 minutes as the game turned from end to end, but Cesc Fabregás saved a point and Barcelona’s unbeaten record 13 minutes from time when he equalized from a Messi pass.
Barcelona had chances to seal a win in the closing minutes of the match, but a defeat would have been harsh on a Valencia side that is well organized and hard working and for the moment at least offers an alternative to the Barça-Real Madrid two horse show.
In contrast to Valencia and Barcelona, Real Madrid produced a below par performance to draw 0-0 away to Racing Santander.
Madrid coach Jose Mourinho made changes to his side with Sergio Ramos and Angel de Maria on the bench, but his side never really looked like beating Racing and managed just two shots on target throughout the game.
I was very keen that day. The game was well played by both sides and as usual i expected Barca to have carried the day. Things did not go our way and a draw is not also bad.