Deportivo rallies to draw vs Valencia

Madrid (AP): Adrian "Piscu" Lopez scored a late goal as Deportivo La Coruna rallied to draw 1-1 against 10-man Valencia, which slipped further out of contention for Champions League qualification with its third straight draw.

Piscu headed in a cross at the far post in the 79th minute to equalise three minutes after Valencia striker David Villa was sent-off for a second bookable offence on Sunday.

Villa scored his 19th league goal in the 25th after running on to Julian de Guzman's errant back pass before finding space to send a rising shot into the net for his eighth score in as many games.

"Referees are human too, they make mistakes like everybody," said Villa, who was twice booked under questionable circumstances, including a near clash with Deportivo goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia for the second. "But watching it on TV, I don't think it's my fault, I pulled up and it was more of his doing. It seems unfair."

Barcelona leads the league with 60 points, followed by Real Madrid with 53, Sevilla with 44, Villarreal on 41. Valencia, which blew a one-goal advantage for a third straight game to stay winless in four, and Malaga are next with 39, while Deportivo and Atletico Madrid both have 36 to sit outside the European places.