Liga round-up

Barca held as Racing triumph

By James Pearson   Last updated: 13th April 2008

Marco Ruben Recreativo v Barcelona

Ruben: Brace for Recreativo

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Barcelona dropped more points in their pursuit of Real Madrid while Racing Santander have heaped more misery on out-of-sorts Valencia.

Frank Rijkaard's side twice led at Recreativo, but were held to a 2-2 draw and now stay six points behind the Liga leaders.

Barcelona made a dream start against Recreativo with Samuel Eto'o heading home Giovanni's cross just 62 seconds into the contest.

The home side could have been on level terms shortly after, but Florent Sinama-Pongolle failed to get a touch from close range with the goal gaping.

However, the home side were back on level terms in controversial fashion shortly before half time. Marco Ruben's header was deemed to have crossed the line although Victor Valdes appeared to have kept the ball out of his net.

Giovanni would have fired Barca back in front before half-time had it not been for a fine one-handed save by Stefano Sorrentino.

The visitors could have let their heads drop after the interval, but Eto'o ferocious half-volley from distance restored their one goal advantage within a minute of the restart.

Frank Rijkaard's side were further boosted by the introduction of Lionel Messi, who made his first return from injury after pulling a hamstring in their Champions League win over Celtic.

However, it proved yet another disappointing result as a mistake by Valdes allowed Ruben's header from Javier Camunas' cross to bounce into the unguarded net.

Racing Santander maintained their UEFA Champions League hopes with a 2-1 victory over out-of-sorts Valencia.

So often Valencia are vying for places in Europe, but this season its Racing sitting fifth in the table while Los Che are well down in 14th.

Fans had to wait for just over an hour for the first goal and they were not happy when it arrived when Gonzalo Colsa netted for Racing.

The home side were back on level terms shortly after when David Villa converted from the penalty spot after Fernando Morientes was tripped by Aldo Duscher.

However, Racing were not to be denied with Mohammed Tchite's 83rd minute goal lifting the team to fifth in the Liga ladder.

See below for match summaries

Valencia 1 Racing Santander 2

Recreativo 2 Barcelona 2