AFP - A cool Juan Mata finish rescued a point for a battling Valencia side who drew 1-1 against Sporting Gijon on Saturday.

Despite going into the game on the back of four straight defeats, it was Sporting who began the livelier and they went ahead through a fine curling strike from Diego Castro.

Valencia were struggling in defence without David Navarro and Alexis Ruanoes but going forward they began to find their feet, with David Villa -- returning to the club where he began his career -- denied by an inspired Juan Pablo in the Sporting goal.

It appeared as though it was not going to be Valencia's day after they hit the post twice and Mata missed a one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper, as Sporting were forced further and further back.

However, with 14 minutes to go, Ever Banega supplied Mata with an excellent through ball and this time he made no mistake, finishing clinically.

Later, second-placed Real Madrid travel to bottom club Xerez and Villarreal host Athletic Bilbao.