Valencia vs Barcelona: Wasteful Catalans drop points at Mestalla

Valencia vs Barcelona: Wasteful Catalans drop points at Mestalla

Faruq Ibrahim 23:33 - 16.12.2023

Profligacy costs Barcelona against Valencia, setting them down the path of three consecutive games without a win.

Barcelona failed to win their third consecutive game thanks to Valencia's shot-stopper Giorgi Marmadashvilli and midfielder Hugo Guillamon, whose stunner ensured shared spoils.

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The Blaugrana travelled to Mestalla after suffering an embarrassing defeat to league leaders Girona last weekend and UCL group menos Antwerp midweek. 

They hoped to turn their fortunes around against Valencia and played as well, but poor finishing meant they returned to Barcelona with a mere point.

How it happened 

Xavi Hernandez returned to his gala-11 after the disappointment in Belgium over the week as he looked to relieve some of the pressure on the team with three points.

Although Barcelona were primed to conquer their hosts, it was Valencia who had the better of the opening exchanges, forcing Inaki Pena into a crucial save.

Barcelona soon found their footing and started to dominate possession as envisaged, with the pivoting duo of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong dictating proceedings; however, the visitors could not make the most of all the possession with a goal.

The start of the second half saw an improved showing from the guests and ten minutes later, the champions scored the opener. Frenkie’s lobbed pass for Raphinha left the Valencia backline flatfooted and out of position to prevent the Brazilian’s cutback to Joao Felix, who tapped in with ease.

Barcelona controlled the game from then on, spurning numerous chances to double their lead, and gutsy Valencia soon punished the wastefulness when Guilamon was left unattended on the edge of the box. The Spanish U-21 accepted the invitation to shoot and let fly, sending the ball around Pena and into the right side of the net.

Barcelona pressed hard for a winner, but Valencia were even harder in defence, staying resolute to earn a point against the record Copa del Rey winners.

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