La Liga | Barcelona stunned by Hercules

Valdez gave the Alicante based outfit the lead when he poked home from a free-kick against the run of play after 26 minutes. And the Paraguay forward, making his debut for the visitors, silenced the Nou Camp with a superb second on the hour to give Hercules a two-goal lead.

Barca attacked ceaselessly in the final half hour, but came up against an inspired figure in the Hercules goal. Keeper Juan Calatayud produced a string of fines saves to deny Lionel Messi, Pedro and David Villa as the visitors held on.

They could have extended their lead at the death but French striker David Trezeguet missed an open goal.

Valencia continued their 100% start to the Primera Division season with a hard fought 0-1 win over Racing Santander.

Hedwiges Maduro's header on the stroke of half-time proved enough for Los Che, who downed Malaga 3-1 in their first La Liga match a fortnight ago. Racing, in contrast, remained without a point following their 3-0 opening defeat at home to champions Barcelona.