Madrid, Apr 13: Even Lionel Messi's return from injury failed to reignite Barcelona's title bid as Frank Rijkaard watched his side draw 2-2 with Recreativo Huelva on Saturday as they continue to gift the championship to rivals Real Madrid.

Barca twice went in front through Cameroon forward Samuel Eto'o but Marco Ruben levelled with a brace (41 min, 70) of his own and Real can now move nine points clear of their rivals with victory over Real Murcia on Sunday.

The Champions League now appears Barcelona's only hope of silverware this season and the comeback of Argentine winger Messi is a real boost ahead of the semi-final against Manchester United on April 23.

Messi had been sidelined since tearing a muscle in his left leg on March 5 but returned to action coming on a substitute on 64 minutes.

Rijkaard had been jeered by the Camp Nou fans as his team defeated Schalke 1-0 to reach the Champions League semi-finals so he was probably glad to be away from home at Recreativo.

Eto'o got Barca off to the best possible start heading in a Giovani dos Santos cross after just 70 seconds.

Barca then showed the type of defending that will have Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson smiling.

Argentine midfielder Ruben equalised with a header that didn't look to have crossed the line but it was nothing more than Huelva deserved.

Eto'o put Barca back in front seconds into the second half with a breathtaking right-footed volley into the top corner but their backline was all at sea and Ruben equalised again.

Villarreal are now just a point behind Barca in third and have a game in hand against Almeria on Sunday.

Like Rijkaard, Valencia coach Ronald Koeman is under pressure and must pick up his team's spirits for Wednesday's Kings Cup final against Getafe after a morale-sapping 2-1 home reverse against Racing Santander on Saturday.

Mohamed Tchite struck nine minutes from time to condemn Valencia to a ninth home loss after David Villa's 64th minute penalty had cancelled out Gonzalo Colsa's opener four minutes earlier.

Valencia lie 14th in the standings and Koeman, who only took over in October, will know that lifting the cup is a must to salvage a terrible campaign and possibly save his job.

"I have a contract here and want to fulfill it," said Koeman. "Big teams always have highs and lows and we have to be calm. We have a chance to win a piece of silverware - not many teams can say the same thing."

Valencia start as slight favourites against Getafe, cup finalists for the second season running, in Wednesday's showpiece at Atletico Madrid's Vicente Calderon Stadium.

For Racing the late win was vital as they chase a place in the money-spinning Champions League and they are now level on points with fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.

"We have to enjoy this win and from Tuesday onwards we will think about our next game against Real Madrid," said Racing coach Marcelinho. "We have six tough games left but we have four matches at home and that gives us hope."

Atletico have a game in hand though and face Valladolid on Sunday looking to reestablish their lead over Racing.