Valencia 0 - Real Madrid 0

Valencia: Cañizares; Miguel, Raúl Albiol, Marchena, Moretti; Albelda, Baraja; Angulo (Rufete 65'), Aimar (Fabio Aurelio 80'), Regueiro (Mista 68'); David Villa. 4-2-3-1.
Madrid: Casillas; Michel Salgado, Sergio Ramos, Mejía, Raúl Bravo; Diogo; Cicinho, Baptista (Cassano 78'), Guti, Zidane (Robinho 75'); Raúl (Ronaldo 63'). 4-1-4-1.

Team changes: Valencia: Baraja for Fabio Aurelio / Madrid: Sergio Ramos, Mejía, Diogo, Cicinho, Raúl for Iván Helguera, Roberto Carlos, Gravesen, Beckham, Cassano.

Goals: None.

Second played third in what turned out to be a disappointing match in the Mestalla. Real Madrid came closest to winning the match after the second half introduction of the attacking trio of Cassano, Robinho and Ronaldo. The omission of the latter from the starting line up was the big pre-match talking point and Ronaldo made further headlines with a late penalty miss.

There was earlier penalty controversy in the 25th minute when the referee failed to give an award to the home side. David Villa went to ground after being held by Mejía. Perhaps that would have been a soft award but as the ball broke to Sergio Ramos the defender picked up the ball. If a foul had been given against Valencia it appeared unclear what for and Valencia players and fans were incensed.

Villa was his usual menacing self and his long range direct free kick forced Casillas to tip over just on half time. That was the closest either side came to scoring in a first half in which the visitors had plenty possession but lacked a cutting edge up front where Raúl was employed as a solitary striker. Villa was also ploughing a lone furrow. Although he linked well with Aimar, Regueiro and the attacking wing back Miguel on a number of occasions, their efforts bore no fruit.

Canizares had little to do until the 65th minute when he pulled off a fantastic stop from Baptista's powerful downward header. He also denied Robinho before starring again in the penalty incident two minutes from time.

Ronaldo had looked out of touch after his introduction but he showed his worth to Madrid by bursting into life and playing a one two with fellow sub Cassano. As the Brazilian rounded Canizares he was clearly taken down. The goalkeeper redeemed himself with a trademark penalty save. So Real coach, óopez Caro's tactic of sending on the attacking trio of Ronaldo, Robinho and Cassano narrowly failed to pay off as Valencia continued their recent run of draws.