Valencia recover from double setback to draw with Atletico Madrid with former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista on the scoresheet
- Valencia and Atletico Madrid drew 2-2 at the Mestalla Stadium on Friday
- Former Arsenal man Gabriel Paulista cancelled out Marcus Llorente’s early goal
- Thomas Partey gave Diego Simeone’s side the lead just before half-time
- Geoffrey Kondogbia’s header levelled matters in the second-half
Valencia came from behind twice to draw 2-2 at home to Atletico Madrid, extending their winless run against Diego Simeone’s team to 11 matches in all competitions.
The result means Valencia remain outside the Champions League spots, while Atletico stay in fourth place.
The home side haven’t beaten Atleti since 2014, with Los Ches losing six and drawing five since then.
Ex-Arsenal man Gabriel Paulista scored as Valencia drew 2-2 with Atletico Madrid in La Liga
The match at Mestalla Stadium came before both teams play in the round of 16 of the Champions League next week, when Atleti host Liverpool on Tuesday while Valencia visit Atalanta on Wednesday.
Marcos Llorente opened the scoring for Atleti from close range in the 15th minute after a nice exchange between Angel Correa and Vitolo Machin inside the area.
Gabriel Paulista equalised with a header five minutes before half-time after a cross by Maxi Gomez, but Thomas Partey put Atletico ahead again three minutes later with a well-struck low shot.
Marcos Llorente gave Diego Simeone’s side the lead after 15 minutes from close range
Gabriel converted Maxi Lopez’s cross to level matters five minutes before half-time
Valencia levelled the match just before the hour mark when midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia heading home a free-kick from distance by Dani Parejo.
Former Arsenal man Gabriel was unable to find the winner and had to leave the field on a stretcher due to a right ankle injury sustained in the final minutes.
On Saturday, third-placed Getafe visit second-placed Barcelona, while leaders Real Madrid host relegation-threatened Celta Vigo on Sunday.
Thomas Partey (middle) silenced the Mestalla with a goal just before the interval
Geoffrey Kondogbia (left) salvaged a point for Valencia with half an hour to play