SPAIN drew level with Argentina in the Davis Cup final when Feliciano Lopez produced an impressive performance to defeat Juan Martin Del Potro.

Lopez, No 31 in the world rankings, won 4-6 7-6 7-6 6-3 in three hours and 19 minutes to cancel out David Nalbandian’s win over David Ferrer in the opening rubber in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

Del Potro, troubled by a toe injury, appeared to pull a muscle in his right leg in the fourth set and needed treatment.

“Tennis matches are like that,” said Lopez, who was chosen ahead of Fernando Verdasco by captain Emilio Sanchez Vicario. “I was a bit nervous at the start, I got over it in the second set and began to believe in myself more. It was a victory over myself.”

Argentina, unbeaten at home in 10 years, were given the perfect start by Nalbandian, who overcame Ferrer 6-3 6-2 6-3 in one hour and 59 minutes. “I played well from start to finish, I was always in control of the situation and the public was incredible,” said Nalbandian.

Ferrer was unhappy with his performance. “I felt inferior,” he said. “David was superior and there’s nothing more to say.”

Argentina are seeking their first Davis Cup title, having finished runners-up away to the United States in 1981 and Russia in 2006.

Spain won in 2000 and 2004, but lost three times as visitors in 1965, 1967 and 2003 - each time against Australia.