Another setback for Xavi. Barcelona couldn't defeat Valencia
Valencia hosted Barcelona at the Mestalla in a La Liga encounter for the 17th round.
During the first half, both teams had several promising opportunities to score, but excellent goalkeeping performances from Mamardashvili and Pena postponed any goals until the second half. Yaremchuk and Musah had chances for Valencia, while Barcelona, through Lewandowski, couldn't convert a few good opportunities.
Ten minutes into the second half Joao Felix opened the scoring. De Jong executed a sublime pass to Rafinha, who then set up the Portuguese forward just a few meters from goal, allowing him to slot the ball into Mamardashvili's net. On the 70th minute the home team made their mark: Guillamón unleashed a breathtaking strike from the edge of the box, sending the ball into the top corner of Pena's goal.
It turned out to be the final goal of the match. Rafinha had an excellent chance to secure a win for the visitors, but the Georgian goalkeeper once again saved the Bats.
Barcelona now has 35 points and climbed to the third position in the table. They are six points behind the leading team, Girona, who are yet to play their 17th match. Valencia sits in the tenth position. The Bats' winless streak in the league now extends to five matches.
- La Liga, Round 17th
Valencia - Barcelona 1:1
Goals: Guillamón, 70 - Joao Felix, 55
Liam Carter
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
