Villarreal drew 2-2 away to Hercules on Monday night to waste the chance to overtake Real Madrid at the top of the Spanish La Liga.

Villarreal hit the woodwork twice, but came back from behind on two occasions to earn a point in a game they ended with just nine men after Borja Valero and Musacchio were sent off.

Hercules meanwhile ended with a player less with David Trezeguet shown a red card in the last minute of the first half.

The game enjoyed a bright opening 20 minutes in which both sides had half chances to open the score, before Villarreal were unfortunate not to score the first goal of the night when Nilmar shook off two challenges only to see his shot rattle the crossbar.

It turned out to be an expensive miss as Hercules scored just six minutes later when Nelson Valdez took advantage of some slack marking to fire home following a free kick from the edge of the area.

Two minutes later Villarreal were level as Joan Capdevila scored following a pinpoint cross from right back Angel.

The visitors hit the woodwork again after 33 minutes as Rossi was the unfortunate player who saw a left foot shot bounce back off the post.

Once again Hercules took full advantage of the let off as David Trezeguet latched onto a loose ball in the Villarreal area to restore his side's lead.

That turned out to be the French international's last contribution of the game as he was sent off a minute from time. Trezeguet complained to the referee after being shown a yellow card and then was shown a direct red card for his troubles.

Villarreal looked to make their numerical advantage tell in the second period and Calatayud was forced to make a couple of excellent stops before Borja Valero made it 2-2 after being put through on goal by Santi Cazorla.

Any chance Villarreal had of winning the game disappeared when first Valero was sent off for a high tackle on 80 minutes. He was followed off the pitch by Musacchio three minutes later after the central defender was adjudged to have thrown an elbow in an aerial challenge.

The draw leaves Villarreal second in the table with 17 points.