Barcelona held to draw by lively Levante

A disappointing 1-1 draw on Saturday at Levante left Barcelona just two points ahead in the Spanish Liga.

The result, and the dull performance, will not put Barca in good heart before tomorrow's showdown against Werder Bremen.

Barca struggled to play their normal flowing game on the uneven surface. In addition, Ronaldinho was left behind in Barcelona in order to save him for tomorrow's game.

Also missing the injured Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi, Barcelona struggled early against Levante's midfield.

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard included Lilian Thuram in the starting lineup after the French defender complained of being under utilized.

Deco gave Barcelona lead in the 41st, sending a free kick off the post in the top left corner and into the right side of the net. The goal came 15 minutes after the Barcelona midfielder lashed out at Levante midfielder Mathieu Berson after a foul and walked away without a card.

Levante slowly took control in the second half, with midfielder Felix Ettien troubling Barcelona's defense.

Their well-deserved equalizer came in the 76th minute when Barca keeper Victor Valdes failed to hold a free-kick and Brazilian defender Alvaro turned in the rebound.

Barca attacked toward the end but failed to create any clear chances.

"We at least deserved to draw," Alvaro said, "because we never gave up and were at least as good as them."

Meanwhile Recreativo Huelva confirmed their surprise-package status by beating Valencia 2-0.

The impressive win lifts Huelva up to fifth with 22 points.

Valencia, who have not won in five matches, are now eighth at 18.

Veteran Aitor Tornavaca opened the scoring for Huelva after just 30 seconds, taking advantage of hesitation in the Valencia defense.

Injury-plagued Valencia created little danger and were finished off nine minutes from time by a classy solo goal from Florent Sinama-Pongolle.

The only Valencia player who volunteered to speak at the end was Ruben Baraja, who conceded, "We really have to improve in several important ways."

In Saturday's other game, Real Betis unveiled a team song to celebrate the club's centenary amid fireworks and colorful banner and flag-waving at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera stadium. Betis was founded in 1907.

Argentina forward Luciano Galletti provided Atletico's goal in the 33rd minute.

Goalkeeper Leo Franco then saved two penalties to preserve the victory.

Franco drew gasps Lopera when, at full stretch to his left, he stopped thwarted Edu Schmidt's penalty attempt in the 52nd minute and then recovered swiftly to punched clear a powerfully struck rebound by Betis' central defender Juanito Gutierrez.