Valladolid claimed a surprise point after a 1-1 draw in La Liga against Real Madrid thanks to a late strike by Guardiola. Zidane's side were unable to find a way through the solid away defence at the Bernabeu until the 81st minute thanks to Karim Benzema, but despite that, their lead was short lived on a disappointing night for the home side.

Real Madrid were the better team early on, but Valladolid were very comfortable and hardly threatened. The first real chance in the 13th minute when Bale shot wide of the goal before Marcelo had an effort seconds later. Although Real had plenty of shots, they rarely hit the target and Masip had little to do throughout the game.

After the first 20 minutes, Valladolid started to attack a bit and Oscar Plano tried his luck from distance. They also had more possession and territory, but the last 10 minutes of the first half saw Real have one of their best spells of the match. James' headed wide a lovely Kroos cross before hitting off target again after good link up play between Marcelo and Benzema. After plenty of off target hits, they finally found the target.

Seven minutes before the break, Masip had to make a great save to deny Benzema before Bale headed at him seconds later. There was still time for Benzema to head over the crossbar before the interval. It was 0-0, but the half-time whistle was music to Valladolid's ears.

In the second half, Unal and Guardiola almost caught Real out cold at the beginning before the home side pressed once again. Benzema and Bale hit over and wide respectively while Sergio's men continued to look for their opportunity on the break.

James was replaced after 57 minutes and he got a standing ovation from the home crowd after a very good afternoon's work. After plenty of huffing and puffing, 12 minutes later, Real had a clear opportunity when Jovic, seconds after coming on, headed Bale's cross onto the bar. However, Valladolid were also attacking.15 minutes from time, the away side countered and Waldo beat Casemiro before forcing Courtois to punch his 25 yard hit away.

It was still 0-0 and the home fans were running out of patience. However, eight minutes from time, Benzema worked his magic. Varane sent in a pass to Benzema just inside the area and he chested down before turning and firing to Masip's left. Antonito looked to have him covered, but the Frenchman scored out of nothing.

Guardiola nearly levelled seconds later but he fired over the bar and then in the 88th minute, he got his goal. Oscar Plano played in Guardiola and he put it under Courtois' body to stun the home crowd into silence. The Belgian's touch on the ball was not enough and it was a huge goal for the visitors.

There were four added minutes and Valladolid had the ball for most of that as they won a couple of free-kicks and a corner. Casemiro had a last gasp opportunity to spare Real's blushes, but it went over the bar and the game ended all square. Even though Real were the better team, they were not at their best and Valladolid deserved something for their solid defensive display and lovely goal.

Valladolid have four points after avoiding defeat against two top sides in Betis and Real Madrid while Real's slip up means arch-rivals Barca can close the gap to just one point if they claim all three points at home to Betis on Sunday.

Sergi Guardiola

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