BARCELONA: Real Madrid was held to a 1-1 draw by last-place Almeria Sunday and could fall four points behind Spanish leader Barcelona. Jose Ulloa fired a left-foot shot past Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas for Almeria's 60th-minute opener. Esteban Granero equalized for Madrid in the 77th with a rising shot off a pass from fellow second-half substitute Karim Benzema. Also, Jeremy Mathieu and Pablo Hernandez scored late goals to give Valencia a 2-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna Sunday to strengthen its hold on fourth place in the Spanish league. Madrid never found its rhythm in attack and was often limited to long-range attempts from Cristiano Ronaldo. Kaka, who started a match for Madrid for the first time since surgery on his left knee in August, linked up with Ronaldo for Madrid's best chance in the first half. The Brazil star played Ronaldo through with a lob into the center of the Almeria defense, but goalkeeper Diego Alves reacted quickly. Benzema replaced Kaka in the 59th. Madrid pushed for a winner to continue its run of five straight league wins, but Almeria held on to earn a point after Ronaldo hit the crossbar with a free kick in extra time. At Mestalla stadium, Valencia's Mathieu raced down the left flank to reach a pass from Tino Costa and shoot past goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia from a difficult angle in the 77th. Hernandez then caught the Deportivo defense pressing forward for the equalizer to score the second goal just before the final whistle, as Valencia extended its winning streak to four games. Valencia goalkeeper Vicente Guaita saved a low shot by forward Lassad Nouioui at the 50-minute mark in Deportivo's best scoring chance. “We have to improve our attack from the wings, but a victory lets you see things in a more positive light and you can polish your mistakes,” Valencia coach Unai Emery said. Valencia has scored late winners in its past three wins to move three points clear of fifth-place Espanyol. Deportivo remained 13th, five points above the relegation zone. Atletico Madrid plays Mallorca Monday.
