Benzema and Bale had twice given the visitors the lead, but a Parejo penalty and Alcacer’s headers evened up the scores on a frustrating comeback for the coach
Rafael Benitez was unable to mark his Mestalla return with a victory, as his Real Madrid team were held 2-2 by determined Valencia.
Coming back to the stadium for the first time since his brilliant spell with Los Che at the start of the millennium, Benitez could not have asked for a better start as Karim Benzema rounded off a brilliant team move.
But a Pepe foul in the final seconds of the first half gave Dani Parejo the chance to convert from the spot, and Keylor Navas was sent the wrong way as Valencia restored parity.
Mateo Kovacic’s sending off seemed to further jeopardise Madrid’s position, but Gareth Bale had other ideas as the Welshman’s header gave the visitors the lead.
It was a fleeting joy for Benitez, however, who saw Paco Alcacer equalise with his own header just seconds later to ensure a share of the points.
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