La Liga - Valencia 1 Barcelona 1 - Match Report
Messi to the rescue as Barcelona stretch their winless run in La Liga to four games following 1-1 stalemate with Valencia
Mitch Freeley
Lionel Messi scored a brilliant equaliser as Barcelona's winless run in LaLiga stretched to four matches following a 1-1 draw at Valencia.
Ezequiel Garay capitalised on terrible marking to convert a corner in the second minute, but Valencia was unable to make the most of their early dominance at Mestalla on Sunday.
Messi levelled midway through the first half with a wonderful strike from outside the penalty area, although Barca, who beat Tottenham 4-2 in the Champions League in midweek, could not find a winner.
Pressure on Ernesto Valverde will grow over the international break, after which Barca will travel to La Liga's surprise leaders Sevilla, who moved top with a 2-1 win over Celta Vigo.
Valencia led in the second minute, Garay arriving at the back post to tap in after a Dani Parejo corner was inadvertently flicked on by Gerard Pique and Thomas Vermaelen.
Michy Batshuayi and Geoffrey Kondogbia both came close to doubling Valencia's lead as Marcelino's men made a fine start, although Goncalo Guedes' injury curbed their potency.
Barca levelled in the 23rd minute, Messi drilling home from 25 yards after a one-two with Luis Suarez that involved a nutmeg on the helpless Kondogbia.
Kevin Gameiro crashed a shot just wide in the 61st minute as Valencia continued to threaten, then Jose Gaya made a sensational challenge to deny Philippe Coutinho.
Messi fired into the side netting and Suarez saw a brace of late penalty appeals rejected, and problems are mounting for Barca and Valverde after missing the chance to reclaim top spot.
Live Commentary
80- Close! Barca are pushing hard for a winner! Fantastic close control from Messi, his drilled shot slips just wide!
39- Chance! Cheryshev cracks a shot from inside the box, the ball flies out for a goal-kick.
23- Goal- Messi arrows a shot into the bottom corner past Neto! Another special strike from the Argentinian!
22- Penalty for Barca?! Suarez is bundled down in the box, but the referee is having none of it! Play on!
6- Chance! Michy Batshuayi drags his shot just wide! Valencia could have gone 2-0
2- Goal! Valencia take the lead! Ezequiel Garay with a tap-in at the far post! Barca looks shellshocked...
Preamble
Fresh from scoring the opener against Spurs, I wonder if Phil Coutinho can find the back of the net against Valencia? The Brazilian international starts alongside Messi & Suarez in a front three tonight!
😉 🤙 @Phil_Coutinho
🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/iDoXrW3YZs — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 7, 2018
Valencia seem focused on the challenge at hand! Can they grab their second win of the La Liga season against the Catalans?
Let's get 🔥'up lads! #ValenciaBarça pic.twitter.com/j28P2TGsRY — Valencia CF English 🦇💯 (@valenciacf_en) October 7, 2018
Now for Barca! Messi is part of a front three with Suarez & Coutinho. Right back Nelson Semedo keeps his place in the side.
🔵🔴 Barça XI 👊
⚽ #ValenciaBarça pic.twitter.com/EDlPuhcyKO — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 7, 2018
We have team news! Valencia first up! Neto starts in goal, Kondogbia in midfield and Michy Batshuayi starts up front!
Our 1⃣1⃣ warriors are READY for showtime! ⭐️#ValenciaBarça pic.twitter.com/YBjiHxYPOQ — Valencia CF English 🦇💯 (@valenciacf_en) October 7, 2018
Hello! Welcome to the Live Updates of Valencia Vs Barcelona from La Liga! Interestingly, both sides haven't had the brightest start to the domestic season with Valencia only picking up one victory so far this season, whilst Barca is without a win in their last three league games. Stick around for all the latest team news, Live match commentary & goals as they go in!
Preview
Fresh from an encouraging 0-0 away draw to Manchester United, Valencia will be looking to get their La Liga back on track but will have a tough challenge when Barcelona arrive at the - Mestalla on Sunday evening. As ever you can watch all the action Live & Exclusive via beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
It’s safe to say that Valencia will be tough to break down with Marcelino’s five of their seven games in the league. Last time out in La Liga, Valencia edged out Real Sociedad 1-0 thanks to a first-half strike from Kevin Gamero.
Brazilian keeper Neto had a fantastic game mid-week against Man United and the 29-year old stopper will need another assured performance if Valencia is to get the better of Barca.
Valencia Predicted Team.
Neto; Vezo, Garay, Gabriel, Gaya; Soler, Parejo, Kondogbia, Cheryshev; Rodrigo, Batshuayi
Watch Online- beIN SPORTS CONNECT
Channel- 11HD
Kick-Off- 21:45 pm
Stadium- Mestalla, Valencia
As for Barcelona they are without a victory in their last three La Liga games and will be eager to stretch their lead at the top of the table, especially when Real Madrid dropped points in their 1-0 defeat to Alaves on Saturday evening.
Leo Messi inspired the Catalans to a midweek 4-2 win over Tottenham in the Champions League, and the emphasis will be on the little magician to help his side to all three points in Valencia. In injury news Samuel Umtiti & Sergi Roberto remain sidelined, meaning Clement Lenglet and Nelson Semedo will continue in to cover in defence.
Barcelona Predicted Team.
Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Coutinho; Messi, Suarez, Dembele
Ivan Rakatic scored a cracker against Spurs, and the Croatian midfielder is set to start on Sunday evening. After a summer to remember at the World Cup, the 30-year old has settled perfectly back into the side. Rakatic is often charged with setting the tempo and keeping possession in midfield for Barca, and he will have to be at his very best if Barca is to come away with all three points.
It certainly promises to be a fascinating encounter Valencia take on Barcelona As ever, you can watch all the action Live & Exclusive on beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
