Valencia battle to earn point

Valencia had to come from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Real Valladolid.

Valencia had to come from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Real Valladolid but will consider it two points lost after dominating possession and creating the better chances, as well as missing an early penalty. Ever Banega skied a spot-kick after five minutes and Javier Guerra then gave the visitors the lead against the run of play. Dorlan Pabon equalised for Valencia just before the half-hour mark but Gilberto Alcaraz put Valladolid ahead again early in the second half. Sophiane Feghouli equalised on 76 minutes and Pabon had a chance to win it, but in the end Valencia were grateful to goalkeeper Vicente Guaita, who made two saves late in the game to allow his side to cling on to a point. The pressure remains on Valencia coach Miroslav Djukic, whose side have taken just a point from their last three home games and lie ninth in the Primera Division table. Los Che had restored pride last weekend with a 1-0 win at Getafe, while Valladolid were wounded following a controversial defeat to Almeria, the only goal being scored by the hand of striker Rodri. The hosts took control of the ball from the off and were awarded a penalty after just four minutes, when right-back Antonio Barragan raced into the box and was brought down by Valladolid goalkeeper Diego Marino, who was fortunate to only be booked. The visitors enjoyed further fortune when Banega lifted the penalty over the crossbar. Things got even better for Juan Ignacio Martinez's side four minutes later when they took the lead with their first attack. Alcatraz got down the right-hand side and delivered a fine cross for Guerra to head into the net. Valencia kept possession despite going behind but were unable to put it to good use and had to resort to distance shots. Dani Parejo and Banega both went close, before Pabon made it third time lucky. The Colombian forward, who got the winner against Getafe with a tremendous hit from 30 yards, picked up the ball in similar range and tried his luck, his effort deflecting off Jesus Rueda on its way past Marino. A couple of minutes later, Paco Alcacer should have put the hosts in front but was denied from close range by the foot of Marino. The goalkeeper made one final save before the break, stopping a central but powerful effort from Pabon. Alcatraz restored the visitors' lead just after the re-start, taking advantage of a poor pass from Jeremy Mathieu before driving home. Valencia almost responded immediately. Sergio Canales, who had replaced the injured Banega at half-time, shot over the bar and then Parejo struck the bar from a free-kick. The equaliser eventually arrived with just under a quarter of an hour left. Canales got down the left and cut the ball back across the box for Feghouli, who made no mistake. Pabon should then have won the game for Djukic's side but was unable to direct a free header on target. And as the game drew to a close, Valladolid had the final chances. Humberto Osorio produced a great piece of skill, chipping the ball over two Valencia defenders before volleying on goal, but was denied by Guiata. The goalkeeper had to make another save a few moments later, turning away a shot from Alvaro Rubio from outside the area, but the game would end with the honours shared.