Sevilla dropped points in the title race away at Valencia, after failing to kill the game off and conceding in injury time.
These teams came into this clash separated by 10 points and 12 league places. Valencia were keen to gain ground and move towards the Champions League places. They'd won each of their last three matches against Sevilla, winning this contest 4-0 last season.
These teams came into this clash separated by 10 points and 12 league places. Valencia were keen to gain ground and move towards the Champions League places. They'd won each of their last three matches against Sevilla, winning this contest 4-0 last season.
Kevin Gameiro was injured so could not face his former club. Rodrigo Moreno was back to fitness and started in attack with Santi Mina in a 4-4-2.
Pablo Machin was without Daniel Carrico. Gabriel Mercado reverted to the back three and Quincy Promes was rewarded for his excellent appearance off the bench last week at Alaves, with a start at right wing back.
Within two minutes of the match Tomas Vaclik made an extraordinary double save to deny Ezequiel Garay and then Mina. The match settled into a pattern whereby Valencia moved the ball slowly around their back-four and midfield, but were unable to penetrate Sevilla's defence, and unable to execute quick transitions and hurt them on the counter.
The visitors seemed comfortable, defending with a back five but attacking in numbers when they had the chance. The half time score was 0-0.
Ten minutes after half time Sevilla attacked up the right flank and when Wissam Ben Yedder's shanked shot fell into the penalty area, Pablo Sarabia was on hand to turn home his 13th goal of the season.
The visitors had chances to extend their lead. Ever Banega crashed a shot against the post from distance and Promes stuck one over the bar.
The Dutch international then brilliantly set up Andre Silva but the 23 year old hit the post after rounding goalkeeper Neto.
Valencia had survived two big scares and remained just one goal down. Denis Cheryshev was introduced for Gonzalo Guedes and the Russian almost teed up Daniel Wass for an equaliser. Gabriel Paulista picked up a knock and was replaced by 21 year old French defender Mouctar Diakhaby who played extremely well. He kept a very high line and was aggressive in the way he advanced to intercept play and also distribute the ball. Michy Batshuayi, on for Mina, offered greater strength in attack.
Machin withdrew Franco Vazquez for Ibrahim Amadou - a sign that he wanted to protect the 1-0 lead. Seven of the 15 goals Sevilla had conceded in the league before this match had come in the final 15 minutes of matches and there was, perhaps, hope for Valencia that they could strike late. Sevilla's season began in July and this was their 30th match under Machin. The style of football they play is physically very demanding, particularly for the wing backs. The strikers also display great work rate, tracking deep to defend.
Luis Muriel came on for Ben Yedder and it was the Colombian who fouled Wass in injury time. From the resulting free kick Dani Parejo crossed for Diakhaby who headed in a 92nd minute equaliser - his maiden goal in Spanish football since signing from Olympique Lyonnais in the Summer.
Marcelino's team have now drawn nine of their 15 league games, and post-match Jose Luis Gaya spoke of their disappointment not to have won the game.
For Sevilla the feeling was surely one of disappointment as well: they'd come within seconds of winning at the Mestalla for the first time since 2012 but couldn't quite manage it and have now failed to win any of their last four away games in La Liga.
Later on Saturday Barcelona won at Espanyol, moving three points clear of Sevilla, who have a crucial UEFA Europa League game on Thursday at home to Krasnodar.
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