Benzema scores on last kick as Madrid draws 1-1 at Valencia

With Real Madrid facing defeat three days before its “clásico” at Barcelona, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois came to the rescue against Valencia – at the other end of the field.

The Belgium goalkeeper abandoned his own goal and joined teammates for a corner kick Madrid had earned five minutes into stoppage time while trailing by a goal at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium on Sunday.

The towering Courtois timed his run perfectly, rising to connect with Toni Kroos’ cross with a powerful header that Valencia goalkeeper Jaume Courtois could only bat down into the crowded area. A backheeled attempt to clear the ball by Ezequiel Garay put the ball on Karim Benzema’s boot to fire into the top of the net and snatch a 1-1 draw on the game’s last kick.

The draw wasted a chance for Madrid to take the outright lead. Second-place Madrid is level on points with league leader Barcelona before the teams meet at Camp Nou.

But Courtois said the draw still felt good.

“This gives us a small boost, because if you go to Camp Nou after a 1-0 loss, it is worse. Scoring the final minute always lets you end the match feeling good,” he said.

Madrid dominated the first half hour, working several flowing passing combinations to get into firing range.

Valencia held firm thanks to holding midfielder Francis Coquelin until playmaker Dani Parejo shifted the action into a back-and-forth exchange.

Rising talent Ferrán Torres had a great opportunity for the hosts just after halftime on the break, only for Courtois to close in fast and snuff out his attempt.

Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane sent on Gareth Bale and Vinicius Junior with just over 20 minutes left to take advantage of the open space.

But it was Valencia that broke the stalemate when Daniel Wass spotted Carlos Soler on a team break. Soler coolly fired in Wass’ pass after teammates had drawn off the backtracking defenders to take the lead in the 78th.

Courtois’ heroics denied the hosts the victory.

“I am 2 meters tall and rivals can get nervous if I join the attack,” Courtois said. “I saw the ball coming at my height and I struck it well. You have to join the attack with the conviction that you are going to score.”

Zidane should have holding midfielder Casemiro well rested for Barcelona. He did not play Sunday, being at risk of a fifth yellow card this season and getting suspended.