Madrid - Barcelona were relieved to battle out a late 2-2 away to lively Valencia on Saturday, with an 86th minute equalizer from supersub Thierry Henry.

The hard-fought draw leaves Barca seven points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, who are away to third-placed Sevilla on Sunday..

"We didn't want to lose tonight," said Henry, "and we showed a lot of courage. This is how leagues are won."

Barcelona  - Russian Nikolay Davydenko checked in for another successful work day on the clay Friday while Rafael Nadal took advantage of a quarter-final walkover as the pair prepared for a Saturday semi-final clash at tennis' Barcelona Open.

Top-seeded world number one Nadal put in some practice time after learning the day before that seventh-seeded Argentine opponent David Nalbandian would not be fronting up for their match due to hip problems which intensified during the previous round.

Madrid  - The disciplinary committee of the Spanish football federation announced on Friday evening a suspension of 10 matches for Real Madrid defender Pepe, for his part in the incidents at the end of Tuesday's stormy Real-Getafe clash.

The Portugal international pushed over Getafe's Francisco Casquero for a late penalty, then kicked the veteran midfielder twice whilst he was on the ground, and hit Getafe forward Juan Albin.

Pepe had to be pulled off the field by Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas, and left insulting the match officials.

Barcelona - Russian Nikolay Davydenko checked in for another successful work day on the clay Friday while Rafael Nadal took advantage of a quarter-final walkover as the pair prepared for a Saturday semi-final clash at the Barcelona Open.

Top-seeded world number one Nadal put in some practise time after learning the day before that seventh-seeded Argentine opponent David Nalbandian would not be fronting up for their match due to hip problems which intensified during the previous round.

Madrid

Madrid - A Spanish judge has ordered an illiterate young thief to learn to read and write as punishment for his crimes, Spanish media reported Friday.

The 17-year-old, who lived in a village in the southern province of Granada, was convicted of stealing a dog, but returned it on request.

It was discovered during the trial that he was illiterate, despite having attended school until age 11.