Sevilla goalkeeper Javi Varas was the hero after saving Lionel Messi's penalty in their 0-0 draw with Barcelona.

The game ended in controversial fashion with Sevilla reduced to nine men, Frederic Kanoute sent off for two bookable offences after the penalty award - the first for kicking the ball off the spot and the second for clipping Cesc Fabregas around the head - and Fernando Navarro following him down the tunnel in the sixth minute of added time.

But Barca could not find the breakthrough as Varas frustrated Pep Guardiola's champions, saving everything they threw at him to ensure Real Madrid - 4-0 winners at Malaga earlier this evening - finished the night top of the standings by a point.

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes broke his own record for the most minutes played without allowing a goal (577), but that will be of little consolation to the Catalan giants.