Daily News

Madrid (AP) - substitute Pablo Hernandez scored a late goal Saturday to salvage a 1-1 draw for 10-man Valencia against Recreativo Huelva in the Spanish league.

Hernandez moved around two defenders on 83. minutes before Chipping over goalkeeper Asier Riesgo from the right side of the area to rescue point for struggling Valencia, which has not won in eight games in all competitions.

Adrian Columnas given Recreativo had a 55th-minute lead through lunging ahead of two defenders to Valencia poke a loose ball under Cesar Sanchez.

Valencia, which is five points outside the Champions League places with 40 points and an extra game play, last won against Almeria on Feb. 1. Recreativo moved to 30 points, five clear of 18th-place Osasuna and the relegation zone.

In Saturday's late game, Spanish champion Real Madrid look to rebound from an embarrassing midweek European loss when it plays at Athletic Bilbao.

Madrid's 4-0 loss to Liverpool was a record defeat for nine time European Champions, who are left with only the league to play for.

Barcelona, which plays in the middle of table Almeria on Sunday, leads with 63 points, while Madrid has 57. Sevilla is third with 50 points, and Villarreal have 45.

In other games Sunday, it was: Getafe vs. Valladolid; Sevilla vs. Malaga; Atletico Madrid vs. Villarreal; Espanyol vs. Mallorca; Real Betis vs. Osasuna; Sporting Gijon vs. Deportivo La Coruna and Numancia vs. Racing Santander.

In Valencia, the hosts are no Miguel Brito on defense, forward Joaquin Sanchez and leading scorer David Villa in attack.

Coach Unai Emery put winger Juanma Mata alone up front in place of Villa.

Recreativo's Adrian Perez created the first threat after the 18th shot past Sanchez only to see his low curler come far post.

Valencia Hernandez livened the attack in his second-half entrance and David Silva broke free on goal to 70. only to shoot straight at Riesgo under pressure. The Spain forward redirected Mata high pass moments later.

Carlos Marchena was sent from 73. After a second booking but Valencia hit the final whistle with substitute Fernando Morientes heading Mata cross over to 88 ..

Valencia continued its worst run of results since last period of turbulent arrival of coach Ronald Koeman. Emery admitted that during the financial Woes club had affected performance, with players who have paid their wages late.-AP