Real Madrid was unable to get its title defence off to a winning start in the first week of this year's Spanish league season. The champions were held at the Bernabéu by an excellent Valencia team which came away with a valuable point. Higuaín put 'Los Blancos' ahead, before Jonas headed in an equaliser for the away side. Mou's men piled on the pressure after the break, but a stunning performance in goal from Diego Alves saved Valencia.
The Brazilian stopper's performance between the posts deprived Madrid of two vital points. Although the league has just kicked off, Madrid's intense rivalry with Barcelona and the lofty level to which the two teams have raised the bar means that anything less than three points at home is seen as a failure. This slip-up could prove costly later on.
In an eventful game, the reigning Liga champions failed to make its advantage count after Higuaín gave them the lead after 9 minutes. After Jonas levelled matters, the Valencia goalkeeper grew in stature to keep 'Los Blancos' at bay.
Rather than the play, the medical staff found itself stealing the show. A spectacular collision between Casillas and Pepe shook the Bernabéu, as well as letting in Jonas to score the equaliser.
Madrid seemed one-paced and an organised display from Valencia was enough to earn a hard-fought draw. The result recalled the corresponding fixture last year, when Guaita was the hero in the Valencia goal.
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