Leaders Valencia held at Valladolid

Leaders Valencia left the door open for Real Madrid to recapture top spot in the Primera Liga after they were held to 0-0 draw away to a determined Valladolid on Saturday.

Valencia dominated most of the match but with talented playmaker Pablo Aimar serving a one-match ban the visitors lacked the creativity to break down a well organised defence.

The home side finished strongly and, had it not been for a brilliant one-handed save by Valencia keeper Santiago Canizares in the dying minutes, Valladolid might have stolen a victory.

The result left Valencia with a two-point advantage over Real Madrid, but the champions can reclaim top spot if they win at Real Betis on Sunday.

Valencia made the better start at Valladolid, forcing a string of corners and creating several good chances in the opening minutes.

Leading scorer Mista screwed a shot over the bar following a lightning break by midfielder Vicente on eight minutes and unmarked defender Roberto Ayala headed wide from a corner.

But Valladolid gradually grew in confidence and towering centre forward Ariza Makakula created problems for the Valencia defence from set pieces, shaving the post with a well struck free kick midway through the half.

Chances were few and far between in the second half, but Valladolid mounted a furious bid for victory in the closing minutes and Makakula was only denied when his header was scooped off the line by an outstretched Canizares.

Basement side Murcia mounted an impressive fightback when they came from two goals down at halftime to earn a 2-2 draw at home to fellow strugglers Celta Vigo in the other early match.

The point was still not enough, though, to lift Joaquin Peiro's side off the bottom of the table.