Valencia could have gone six points clear of nearest challengers
Real Mallorca and Sevilla with a victory over 16th-placed Racing,
but it was not to be as they yet again slipped up against the
Cantabrian side at home.
In their last four league visits to the Mestalla, Racing had
picked up 10 from a possible 12 points, while they also held
Valencia to a 1-1 draw here during normal time in the Copa del Rey
last season before losing 3-1 in extra time.
And it might have been another success story on Monday night
for Miguel Angel Portugal's side as, after surviving two good
openings for Valencia hitman David Villa early on, they created the
better of the chances only to be denied by home goalkeeper Miguel
Moya on three occasions.
Racing youngster Sergio Canales also missed a great opening
in the 89th minute just after Valencia had been reduced to 10 men
following the dismissal of centre-back David Navarro.
Valencia came into the match seeking a pick-me-up following
their 4-1 drubbing at Atletico Madrid in their last outing, and
they started well enough and might easily have been 2-0 up after 22
minutes if Villa had taken his chances.
In the 18th minute the prolific striker was put in by Spain
team-mate David Silva but he was unable to beat Fabio Coltorti from
12 yards out.
Villa's next chance did see him beat Coltorti, but this time
the near post came to Racing's rescue.
Juan Manuel Mata was the next to try his luck in the 34th
minute but rising left-footed shot hit the side-netting.
Racing produced little to worry Valencia's makeshift defence
in the opening 45 minutes but they almost snatched a lead to take
into the interval through Canales right on the stroke of half-time.
The highly-rated teenager, who was recently signed by Real
Madrid with the transfer to go through in the summer, was allowed
to race unchecked from the centre circle before cutting inside
Navarro, and only the outstretched left foot of Moya denied the
youngster after he shot from the edge of the box.
Moya's foot also came to his side's rescue in the 56th minute
as Racing threatened again.
Papakouli Diop picked up Canales' pass before bursting
between two Valencia defenders, however Moya was out quickly to
deny the Racing midfielder and keep his side on level terms.
Canales then saw a dipping volley fly over before Moya
produced another fine stop in the 65th minute from Mohamed Tchite.
Tchite, who scored a hat-trick in last season's 4-2 win here,
looked certain to score after latching into Christian's low cross,
but Moya stuck out his right hand to stop the striker's shot.
Valencia briefly responded with a long-range effort by Ruben
Baraja that was comfortably saved by Coltorti, but the home side
were struggling to find their rhythm and they suffered another
setback in the 87th minute when Navarro was shown a second yellow
card for handball.
It looked a harsh decision, but Valencia avoided having salt
added to their wounds when, two minutes later, Canales put a great
chance over the bar from six yards out following Pedro Munitis'
cross.
