A Lionel Messi penalty rescued Barcelona as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Valencia before their lead at the top was cut to nine points when Atletico Madrid clinched a 1-0 win over Real Betis.
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The four-time World Player of the Year extended his record scoring run to 12 matches in the league with a penalty after 39 minutes with Valencia having taken the lead through Ever Banega.
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Although Barca won their last league game at home to Osasuna, they lost a fortnight ago against Real Sociedad and this was a lacklustre display at the Mestalla.
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Like Real Madrid, who lost to Granada on Saturday, Barca seemed to be suffering the effects of their 1-1 Spanish Cup semifinal first-leg but they still have a significant lead over Atletico.
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'' We came with the intention of picking up three points but it is a difficult stadium to win at and generally I think the draw was fair. In five years we have won only once here '', said Roura who is standing in for Tito Vilanova who is having cancer treatment.