Barcelona slipped five points behind Spanish leader Real Madrid after an 86th-minute equalizer by substitute Alvaro Vazquez gave Espanyol a 1-1 draw against the defending champion Sunday. With Lionel Messi relatively anonymous in Barcelona's play, midfielder Cesc Fabregas continued his scoring ways by heading home Daniel Alves' cross to put Barcelona ahead after 16 minutes at the Cornella-El Prat Stadium. Barcelona looked certain to take three points as it controlled the city derby, but Thievy Fibouma flicked on Raul Rodriguez's cross for Vazquez to guide home the equalizer four minutes from time. Barcelona nearly stole the game at the close as first Gerard Pique hit the crossbar in the 90th and then Rodriguez appeared to handle Pedro Rodriguez's shot on the follow-up. Messi managed his only shot in the 77th. The Argentina forward was booked for handling in the 13th after stealing from Cristian Alvarez to feed Fabregas for a goal that was disallowed. Elsewhere, Jose Antonio Reyes' return to Sevilla was spoiled by Rayo Vallecano as the promoted side won 2-1 to break a four-game losing streak. Valencia came from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Villarreal in coach Jose Molina's debut for the “Yellow Submarine,” Athletic Bilbao drew 0-0 at Getafe and Real Betis beat nine-man Sporting Gijon 2-0 for a third straight win. Villarreal remained winless in nine consecutive games in all competitions, while Valencia stayed in third place, nine points behind league leader Real Madrid, which beat Granada 5-1 Saturday. Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente returned after missing seven games with a left knee injury and teammate Iker Muniain set the record for the youngest player to have made 100 league appearances at the age of 19 years and 20 days. On Saturday, Racing Santander edged last-place Zaragoza 1-0. Malaga vs. Atletico Madrid, Levante vs. Mallorca and Real Sociedad vs. Osasuna all ended in scoreless draws.
