Liga Report: Valencia Pick-Pocketed At The Bernabeu

Valencia were just a minute away from claiming a sensational 1-0 win against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu when the referee awarded a penalty against them for an alleged foul by Carlos Marchena on Raul.

If anything the Real forward was backing into the Ches defender, but a penalty was given and duly scored by the unflinching Luis Figo.

Roberto Ayala had earlier put Valencia ahead.

It was an exciting first-half with Canizares having to be on his toes to clear with Raul closing in early on.

Minutes later Vicente fired a fierce effort inches wide, before Canizares superbly saved Michel Salgado's powerfully struck shot.

Mista volleyed a Vicente cross just wide at the other end, and then the latter dragged a shot of his own narrowly off-target after being set up by Pablo Aimar.

Canizares made himself big to save Raul's close range effort just before half-time, but the side's went in level at the break.

The second-half was a cagey affair with few clear-cut chances.

Raul saw a header saved by Canizares, and the Spanish international forward fired a good chance wide just a couple of minutes later.

Figo was booked for a high challenge on Canizares, before Valencia took the lead on 78. Ayala rose superbly to head home an Miguel Angulo corner.

And they looked like holding out until the linesman spotted an infringement by Marchena on Raul and the penalty was awarded. The Valencia players were incensed, but Figo made no mistake from the spot.

Real remain two points clear at the top, but we've certainly not heard the end of a controversial night at the Bernabeu.