Benzema salvages draw for Real

Madrid, Spain - Real Madrid missed the chance to replace Barcelona at the top of Spanish League ahead of Wednesday's Clasico but salvaged a 1-1 draw against Valencia as Karim Benzema scored a dramatic injury-time equaliser on Sunday.

Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois ventured up for a final corner at Mestalla and it was his header that caused panic in the Valencia box, before the ball fell perfectly for Benzema to strike in the 95th minute.

"Opponents can get a little nervous if I go up," said Courtois. "Toni (Kroos) hit the corner to the near post and I just saw the ball was at my height and I caught it well."

Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said: "He decided to go up and that shows we want more, than we never give up. The draw is a reward for the effort we made, which was a lot. This is Real Madrid, a team that never gives up."

Valencia looked set for an impressive victory after Carlos Soler had put it ahead in the second half but both sides had to settle for a point at the end of a compelling contest between two of the league's form teams.

It means Barcelona remain top of the table but in front of Madrid only on goal difference, after it was also held to a 2-2 draw away at Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Madrid was celebrating at the final whistle but the result completes a strong week for Valencia, which won away at Ajax on Tuesday to go through as group winners to the Champions League last-16. It stays eighth, now three points adrift of the top four.

Other result: Sevilla Villarreal 2. 1